The protection of public research rights and academic research in particular is a necessary part of the work done by lecturers and researchers, and its implementation needs to be encouraged. Protection can be achieved in various manners. Patents and other forms of intellectual property protection are one way. Alternatives include the publication of papers, open source and open access copyright, the inclusion of new knowledge in advanced training programmes and the inclusion of new knowledge in spin-off projects and innovation start-ups.The University of Florence can assist in the process of patent and copyright protection through its dedicated office.List of Patents filed by the University of Florence (Italian website). Contact