The University of Dayton School of Law and Air Force Research Laboratory have renewed an online program for government employees to learn how to prevent the loss of intellectual property and data rights vital to economic and national security.

"Several reports show hundreds of billions of dollars are lost annually because of intellectual property theft," said Sabra Tomb, director of training programs and strategic business development at the University of Dayton School of Law. "This issue is so important to our national security that Congress enacted the bipartisan Protecting American Intellectual Property Act a year ago."

The program, launched in 2020, is taught by lead research scientists and attorneys from Air Force Materiel Command and the corporate world. 

"This is a very important course for anyone who plans to work with IP now and in the future. It will provide the information on how to protect defense technology and reinforce why we must protect IP," said Scott Aughenbaugh, director of the Department of the Air Force Technology, Transfer and Transition Program Office.

Lessons combine animations and visual thinking guides to enhance retention of knowledge and emphasizes the real-world application of intellectual property and data rights laws, negotiations and contractual agreements, according to Tomb.

"I am delighted about the renewal of this program. AFRL is committed to managing, protecting and leveraging intellectual property generated in the course of our important science and technology mission for the warfighter. This program will continue to provide our workforce with practical knowledge and tools to do that," said Tim Sakulich, Air Force Research Laboratory executive director.

Click here to learn more about the School of Law's intellectual training program or email Tomb at stomb1@udayton.edu.

The intellectual property training program for anyone interested in understanding the importance of protecting government IP is one of two programs the School of Law has to help government workers save U.S. taxpayers money.

The School of Law offers a fully online master's program in government contracting and procurement designed by seasoned industry and government experts. It is open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree. Courses are taught in real-time to encourage active learning and provide opportunities for live feedback and interaction between faculty and students. Each class meets once a week, scheduled for working professionals. 

"Our program uses the National Contract Management Association's ANSI-approved Contract Management Standard™. The program's alignment with the standard prepares our students for certified contract management associate certification," Tomb said. 

Financial aid; military and veteran benefits; and corporate and government tuition deferment, assistance and reimbursement options are available.

Learn more about the online master's program in government contracting and procurement here.

For interviews, contact Shawn Robinson, University of Dayton associate director of news and communications, at srobinson1@udayton.edu.