The Potential Use of Expired Patents as a Stepping Stone for Inventions in Zimbabwe’s Tertiary Colleges: A Case Study of Bulawayo Polytechnic

Abstract

Abstract Tertiary education institutions such as polytechnics are one of the primary sources of generation of new technologies. The lack of a baseline for inventing has led to the re-invention of the wheel which now characterises most of the technical projects from these institutions hence the need to take advantage of competitive imitation through the use of information from expired patents or publicly disclosed technologies that do not qualify for patent protection. A descriptive and observation study was carried out at Bulawayo polytechnic to investigate the potential use of expired patents to kick start new inventions. General questionnaires, in-depth interviews and observations were used to collect data from researchers and students. It was noted from the analysis of the data that first there was need to introduce the concept of IP in tertiary colleges both to the researchers and the students. In-depth interviews showed that the culture of inventing is already present at Bulawayo Polytechnic. Results showed that IP knowledge though very minimal is present and that if there is IP teaching potential for using expired patents is possible. However, the potential use of expired patents could not be empirically determined because of lack of IP awareness amongst the researchers. There is therefore need for the teaching of IP and the related IPRs in tertiary institutions. To also encourage the culture of research and innovation, an IP policy in polytechnics should be in place to guide in benefit sharing.