Top MBA Programs Lacked Mandatory IP Training
Managers graduating from elite business schools may lack the training required to protect and leverage intangible assets.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Public Companies
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Should business schools mandate intellectual property coursework for all MBA students?
No top-20 U.S. MBA programs require intellectual property courses for graduation, according to a recent report from the Center for Intellectual Property Understanding. The research found that five of the 20 surveyed schools offer no dedicated coursework or integration concerning IP.
Why it matters
The gap in curriculum persists despite the reality that intangible assets now comprise 92% of S&P 500 market value. Operators require a deeper understanding of these assets to effectively connect innovation to commercial success and long-term value.
The report identified nine dedicated IP courses, 14 substantial integrations, and seven limited modules across 20 top-tier schools. Currently, intangible assets account for 92% of the total market value of S&P 500 companies.
The players
Center for Intellectual Property Understanding
An independent nonprofit organization focused on evaluating how intellectual property is integrated into academic and professional education.
The details
The report highlights that most elite business programs treat intellectual property as an elective or peripheral subject rather than a core management competency. Researchers found that while 30 total IP-related offerings exist across the 15 schools that do cover the topic, these are often dispersed across modular or integrated structures rather than consolidated in degree-requirement courses. This prevents many graduates from learning how to manage the patent, trademark, and trade secret lifecycles that now represent the primary drivers of corporate valuation.
Timeline
2021: The Center for Intellectual Property Understanding conducted a prior report on IP education.
2025-26: Researchers completed the data collection for the current report.
October 13, 2026: The report was formally published.
Market Landscape
The findings contrast sharply with the reality of modern corporate valuation, where intangible assets now drive 92% of S&P 500 market value. This curriculum gap signals that elite business education has yet to align its core requirements with the asset-light nature of current public companies.
Owners should assess whether their leadership teams possess the technical fluency to identify and secure intellectual property rights. Hiring managers might also consider whether MBA-level candidates require supplementary training to manage intangible assets effectively.
The takeaway
Management of intangible assets is increasingly critical to protecting a business's competitive moat. Leaders should review their internal intellectual property strategies to ensure they are not relying on institutional knowledge that current graduates may not possess.
Further reading
For more on how modern firms build value through intangible assets, visit our Public Companies section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by IPWatchdog.com | Patents & Patent Law.
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Should business schools mandate intellectual property coursework for all MBA students?
