UNA MIRADA A LA PROPIEDAD INTELECTUAL EN LAS INSTITUCIONES DE EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR DE GUAYAQUIL

Abstract

The basic function of a university today is research. Teaching has been for centuries the function of universities. It still is one of the things that all higher learning institutions are expected to do and excel at. Research, however, is now fundamental. There are two reasons why research is so highly regarded. First, many of the great discoveries that have changed the world have originated in university research. Second, if properly handled, research can be a source of university income that can reach billions of dollars and be later used to fund new research. Obviously, proper handling of research is a complex and delicate endeavor. Discoveries made either by students or by faculty must be patented so that patents can be later 3 marketed to industry; the close relationship that exists between industry and academia is very important in today’s world. This paper intends to analyze and evaluate the procedures that universities must establish to protect intellectual property. Intellectual property needs to be protected and discoveries must be patented for later marketing. To this end, students and faculty must be made aware both of the country’s legislation concerning intellectual properly and of procedures the university has established to benefit from it.