Past event
Lunch & Learn Skill Session -- Intellectual Property in Practice: What It Is, Why It Matters and Who
This semester, the Entrepreneurship Centre is hosting Lunch & Learn: Skill Sessions, a two‑part series designed to give students and staff practical, easy‑to‑apply skills that support their personal projects, coursework, creative work, and early‑stage ideas. Each session is led by members of St Andrews Innovation, who share accessible tools and ways of thinking that anyone – regardless of experience – can use to explore ideas with confidence.
While the first session focused on spotting opportunities, this second workshop turns to a skill every creator, researcher, or aspiring innovator should understand: how to recognise, protect, and work with Intellectual Property (IP).
Intellectual Property: What It Is and Why It Matters
Intellectual Property is at the heart of how ideas move from early concepts into real‑world impact – and understanding the basics can make a meaningful difference in how you approach research, creative work, or innovation.
In this practical, approachable session, you'll learn what IP actually is, how it's treated within a university environment, and why ownership matters more than most people realise. You'll also get a high‑level look at the typical commercialisation journey within a university – what happens when an idea has potential, and how it can progress toward real‑world use.
Through relatable examples and space for questions, this workshop will demystify a topic that often feels complex but is deeply relevant across disciplines.
In this session, you'll explore:
The main types of Intellectual Property and what each one protects
Why IP matters for students, researchers, creatives, and early‑stage innovators
The critical question of ownership – and how it works in a university setting
How ideas typically move through the commercialisation process
Practical considerations for anyone developing new work, projects, or innovations
These are transferable skills you can apply to academic projects, research, collaborations, and future ideas – helping you work more confidently and make informed decisions as your ideas evolve.
No legal background required.
No dense jargon.
Just clear explanations, practical insights, and a welcoming space to ask questions.
Event Details
🕒 Approx. 45 minutes, followed by discussion and Q&A
📍 Online event – RSVP to receive the MS Teams link and confirm your attendance