The University of California was named the top institution in the United States for receiving utility patents, according to a new ranking released by the National Academy of Inventors on March 19.
This ranking highlights the role that patents play in maintaining America’s competitive edge in global innovation, particularly against countries like China and India. Patents are seen as essential for ensuring that Americans have early access to advancements in health, technology, and other fields.
The University of California leads not only in federal research funding but also in delivering tangible results through patent generation. The university produces nearly twice as many patents as the second-place U.S. university and surpasses government agencies and nonprofits, including the Department of Energy. According to the National Academy of Inventors, UC is also ranked number one globally.
UC’s achievements are supported by policies such as the bipartisan Bayh-Dole Act of 1980, which allowed universities and other organizations to own inventions from federally funded research and license them to companies. This act incentivized institutions to reinvest revenue from licensing into further innovation and commercialization efforts. Before this policy change, federal agencies had licensed only 1,400 inventions; by 2024, U.S. universities were licensing 9,500 inventions annually.
Currently, UC holds rights to over 6,800 active patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. From 1996 to 2020, university-held patents generated $1.9 trillion in economic output, created 6.5 million jobs across the country, and led to more than 19,000 startups according to The Association of University Technology Managers.
The National Academy of Inventors compiles its Top 100 U.S. Universities List each year using data from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The organization includes more than 4,600 members affiliated with over 260 institutions worldwide; among them are 162 faculty members from UC.
