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.
According to the announcement, the University of California leads not only in federal research funding but also in delivering tangible results through its patent activity. The university produces nearly twice as many patents as the second-place U.S. university and surpasses government agencies and nonprofits such as the Department of Energy. The National Academy of Inventors also recognizes UC as number one globally.
The press release notes that foundational science is a strength at UC, with 75 Nobel Prizes awarded to its faculty—more than any other university—while also excelling at commercializing research outcomes that impact daily life. The success is attributed in part to the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980, which allowed universities and other organizations to own inventions from federally funded research and license them to companies. This policy change incentivized reinvestment into innovation and commercialization efforts.
UC currently holds rights to over 6,800 active patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. More broadly, university-held patents generated $1.9 trillion in economic output, created 6.5 million jobs across the United States, and led to more than 19,000 startups between 1996 and 2020, according to data from The Association of University Technology Managers.
The National Academy of Inventors compiles its Top 100 U.S. Universities List annually using patent data from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The organization includes more than 4,600 individual members affiliated with over 260 institutions worldwide; among them are 162 faculty members from UC.
