The University of South Carolina system is again ranked as one of the top patent-producing universities in the world for the 11th time in the last 12 years.
The listing is part of an annual publication compiled by the National Academy of Inventors and is based on data obtained from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
USC ranked in the top 50 nationally and top 65 internationally in utility patents granted with 50.
"It’s great to see USC listed among the world’s top patent-producing universities. Each of the 50 patents USC received in 2023 represents the culmination of years of innovative research and development by dedicated faculty members, their collaborators and support staff," Vice President for Research Julius Fridriksson says. "As South Carolina’s flagship university, developing and bringing new technologies into the marketplace is an essential part of our mission, and as this ranking shows, we do it very well."
USC is the top-ranked school in South Carolina among the almost 40 four-year institutions in the state. South Carolina ranked fifth among the 14 schools in the SEC for patents granted, behind the Texas system, Florida, Texas A&M system and Vanderbilt.
In total, 31 current or former USC faculty members were named as lead inventors for granted patents.
- Eight USC faculty members were named as lead inventors on multiple patents granted this year, led by mechanical engineering professor Victor Giurgiutiu with four.
- Brian Benicewicz (chemistry and biochemistry), Guoan Wang (electrical engineering), Michael van Tooren (mechanical engineering) and Paul Ziehl, Associate Dean of Research and director of the McNair Aerospace Center, each had three.
- Hippokratis Kiaris (pharmacy), John Monnier (chemical engineering), Esmaiel Jabbari (chemical and biomedical engineering) and David Matolak (electric engineering) had two apiece.
“Being ranked among the top 100 universities in the world for patenting ideas is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of University of South Carolina’s faculty, staff and students," Vice President of Economic Engagement Stephen Cutler says. "USC’s Office of Economic Engagement is committed to turning patents into impactful solutions that drive innovation and advance entrepreneurship across South Carolina, the southeast and the United States.”