Jury rules in favor of University of Missouri in intellectual property case

The University of Missouri won a court battle over intellectual property rights on Wednesday.

The university filed the lawsuit against former engineering professor Dr. Galen Suppes back in 2009.

The suit claimed the university was damaged when Suppes violated his contract and university rules by “altering forms used to assign to the university inventions made by him, that he purported to license technology owned by the university that he had no authority to license; and that he interfered with university research sponsors and potential licensees of the technology.”

The jury ruled in favor of the university on two out of three verdicts, finding that Suppes breached his contract and duty of loyalty.

The jury ruled Suppes’ actions caused $600,000 in damage against the university.

However, the jury ruled in favor of Suppes on the university’s claim that the former engineering professor intentionally interfered with a business deal to commercialize the intellectual property in question.

The university was seeking $3.7 million in damages.

This is not the only lawsuit between the university and Suppes.

In a written statement, the university said, “In six separate lawsuits, Suppes unsuccessfully brought claims against the University and 10 university employees.”

The statement went on to claim Suppes was fired after accusations that included harassing students, faculty and department chairs; neglecting duties and intentionally violating university rules.

The statement concluded, “The university will continue to protect its intellectual rights, as well as those of the faculty and taxpayers. Protecting and commercializing the intellectual property created by university researchers is pivotal to the growth and strength of our research and economic development programs.”