World Intellectual

Property Day

Bringing together the world's most forward thinking innovators


Every April 26, we celebrate World Intellectual Property Day to learn about the role that intellectual property rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity. Iowa State Students and Faculty are both invited to join us and learn more.

Come meet the team behind some of Iowa State's most successful inventions


A World Intellectual Property Day celebration, hosted by The Iowa State University Research Foundation (ISURF) and the Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer (OIPTT) will be held just north of the Campanile on Central Campus, Thursday, April 26, 2018, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. This free event highlights important innovations developed by Iowa State researchers and includes a sampling of products developed with ISU inventions. Those stopping by will also get a chance to meet ISU faculty who are an important part of ISU’s intellectual property engine. 

Highlighted Inventions

(These will be showcased during the event)

Pork Industry


Come swine and dine with free pulled pork sandwiches as we remember industry shaping Iowa State inventions such as Gene Testing for Pig Litter Size, and the Vaccine for Salmonella in Swine.



Health Supplements


HMB nutritional supplements were developed by Dr. Steve Nissen, who went on to start MTI Biotech, one of Iowa State's most successful Start Ups. This invention beefed up our royalties significantly. It really bulked up our body of work.





Dairy Industry


Did you know, in 1940, one of the first patents that molded Iowa State's presence in the global market was the Maytag method of making blue cheese? This method is still used as the standard-industry technique today! This invention is a little cheesy but we're dairy-ng you to come up with something better!




Fruitful Inventions


There's nothing better than biting into a juicy red watermelon on a hot summer day. One of Iowa State's most profitable inventions was the development of two Hybrid Strains of Watermelons in 1998 with deep red, crisp, and juicy interiors. This watermelon will have you going bananas. Delicious!





"Intellectual Property Rights are among the most important factors encouraging innovation and creativity in America's highly competitive marketplace of Ideas. Every young inventor and entrepreneur should understand how to protect their valuable and unique ideas."

-Lisa Lorenzen (Executive Director, ISURF)

Any questions regarding the event?

This free event is presented by the Iowa State University Research Foundation, and the Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer


Any Questions? Ask them below.