Trump administration threatens to take Harvard’s patents

The ongoing feud between the Trump administration and Harvard University escalated on Friday when the federal government threatened to take control of the school’s patents resulting from federally funded research. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick issued a letter to Harvard President Alan Garber, announcing an immediate review of Harvard’s compliance with federal laws regarding patents.

The patents in question are said to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, with Lutnick warning that third-party licenses could be granted or titles to patents could be taken if Harvard does not meet government title and disclosure requirements. Harvard has been instructed to provide information on all patents obtained through federally funded research.

Lutnick expressed concerns that Harvard has not fulfilled its obligations to the American taxpayer and is in breach of statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements related to federally funded research programs. The school has until September 5 to respond and demonstrate compliance with the Bayh-Dole Act, which mandates that universities show inventions from federal funding are used for the benefit of Americans.

The Trump administration is demanding a comprehensive list of Harvard’s patents stemming from federal grants, details on how the patents are being utilized, information on licensing agreements, and whether they require substantial U.S. manufacturing. A Harvard spokesperson criticized the move as retaliatory, emphasizing the importance of innovations emerging from federally funded research at the university.

The administration has previously halted or reduced federal research funding to Harvard over allegations of campus antisemitism. Harvard has filed lawsuits challenging the funding freezes, arguing that the government is infringing on its academic freedom. President Trump has also targeted Harvard’s tax-exempt status and attempted to restrict foreign students from studying at the university, although a judge blocked this action.

While Harvard has rejected the administration’s demands for changes to maintain its financial relationship with the federal government, some Ivy League schools have made concessions. Columbia University and Brown University have agreed to certain terms in exchange for continued funding. Mr. Trump has indicated a willingness to negotiate with Harvard, suggesting a potential resolution to the ongoing dispute.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Harvard will navigate the challenges posed by the federal government and uphold its commitment to innovative research and academic freedom.