Washington, United States — The Trump administration has warned it may assume ownership of patents worth hundreds of millions of dollars from Harvard University, accusing the Ivy League institution of failing to meet federal compliance requirements.
According to officials, the dispute centres on government-funded research projects and whether Harvard fulfilled its legal obligations under the Bayh-Dole Act — legislation that allows universities and other institutions to retain patent rights to inventions developed with federal funding, provided they meet certain disclosure and reporting requirements.
The administration claims Harvard failed to properly report some inventions and comply with timelines set out in the law. Federal agencies have the authority to seize and reassign such patents if institutions do not adhere to the rules.
A senior government official described the potential seizure as a “last resort,” but insisted the law would be enforced to protect taxpayer interests. “When public money funds research, the public has a right to transparency and compliance,” the official said.
Harvard has not publicly detailed its position on the allegations, but legal experts say such disputes are rare and could set a significant precedent if the government proceeds. The university is expected to contest any attempt to take control of the patents, which could impact lucrative licensing deals and ongoing commercial ventures.
Analysts note that the case reflects growing political scrutiny of elite universities’ handling of federally funded research, especially in high-value sectors such as biotechnology and engineering. If the dispute escalates, it could spark a broader debate over the balance between academic independence and government oversight.
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