Gov. Sanders Proclaims October Intellectual Property Month in Arkansas

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has proclaimed October 2026 as Intellectual Property Month in Arkansas, recognizing the role that creativity, innovation and the protection of intellectual property play in the state's economic growth and long-term prosperity.

The statewide designation recognizes the contributions of Arkansas creators, inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers and small businesses. Patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets help safeguard their work and bring new products, services, technologies and innovations to market.

The proclamation also recognizes colleges, universities, and research partners across the state for contributing to scientific advancement, workforce development and technology commercialization through strong intellectual property stewardship and collaboration with industry.

Technology transfer offices play an important role in connecting university research with public and commercial use. Working alongside faculty, staff and student innovators, technology transfer professionals help identify promising discoveries, evaluate intellectual property protection and pursue pathways such as licensing, industry partnerships and startup formation.

"Intellectual Property Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the university researchers and creators whose innovations improve lives and strengthen Arkansas," said David Hinton, associate vice chancellor for research and innovation, who also leads the university's technology transfer office. "Technology transfer helps create an additional avenue for research to impact communities by protecting discoveries and building the partnerships needed to move discoveries from the laboratory environment to public use."

This work gives university innovations a clearer path from the laboratory, classroom or field into products, services and innovations that can benefit communities. It also helps universities build relationships with industry, support entrepreneurship and extend the economic and societal impact of research.

Raising awareness of intellectual property helps equip Arkansans with the knowledge needed to protect their innovations, encourage investment, strengthen local economies and support a thriving culture of creativity throughout the state.

Sanders signed the proclamation Oct. 1. It was attested by Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester.

This designation highlights the importance of innovation and recognizes the contributions of creators in communities across Arkansas.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.

About Technology Ventures: The University of Arkansas Technology Ventures, part of the Division of Research & Innovation, creates impact through commercialization of new products and services based on the world-class research portfolio at the University of Arkansas to support a lasting knowledge-based economy that benefits Arkansas and the world. Technology Ventures partners with innovators, industry, investors, and entrepreneurs to evaluate, protect, and commercialize University of Arkansas innovations through intellectual property management, licensing, startup support, and industry partnerships. By connecting innovation teams with the marketplace, Technology Ventures helps turn groundbreaking discoveries into products, companies, and solutions that drive economic growth and improve lives.