How Prof. Santokh Badesha is Revolutionizing Patent Education at Purdue
Santokh Badesha, Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is leading a groundbreaking course at Purdue University to instill an inventor’s mindset among students.
Launched in the 2024 summer semester, the new course on intellectual property and innovation blends practical industry experience with academic rigor. The asynchronous design caters to students with varied schedules, emphasizing the practical experiences of an inventor over mere legal jargon.
“The curriculum covers the entire innovation process, from idea generation to navigating approval processes,” said Badesha. “This practical approach ensures students learn how to effectively create and commercialize their ideas.”
Purdue University Online Senior Vice President Dimitrios Peroulis highlights Badesha’s unique perspective, drawn from his extensive experience with over 250 issued U.S. patents and recognition from professional organizations such as the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Inventors.
“Our students learn from an instructor with incredible achievements and a true passion for innovation and IP,” said Peroulis.
Ryan Nelson, who is pursuing his MSECE online while working as a Control Systems Engineer at Burr Oak Tool Inc., enrolled in the class due to a prior experience with a patent infringement lawsuit.
“This class provided valuable information directly applicable to my job,” said Nelson, who appreciated learning about different categories of intellectual property and how to leverage them as an engineer and inventor. The course stands out for integrating industry insights, featuring guest lecturers from companies like Kodak, IBM, Dow, and Corning.
Terry Taber, Kodak CTO & VP, contributed to the course by offering a unique perspective on fostering creativity, innovation, and intellectual property in a unified manner. “Having an introduction to an intellectual property mindset allows students to quickly participate in the patent process rather than be confounded by it,” said Taber. IBM Vice President Utpal Mangla saw his participation as a way to give back to future leaders.
“The class gives students an edge in the job market. Jobs and skills of the future need an innovation-driven agenda, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset.”
Lindsey Holper, an online MSECE student working for General Motors on ADAS sensor fusion, found the course valuable for understanding IP development.
“I recommend this class for its comprehensive overview of intellectual property creation and approval processes,” said Holper. “The knowledge gained will allow me to contribute more effectively to IP projects at work.” Milind Kulkarni, Michael and Katherine Birck Head and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, believes the course exemplifies Purdue ECE’s goals. “We aim to build the next generation of leaders in ECE by providing exposure to industry luminaries and strengthening skills in entrepreneurship and innovation,” he said.
The course also offers an additional certification exam in collaboration with the National Academy of Inventors. Passing this exam grants students a certificate from the academy, which Badesha believes will give them an edge in the job market.
“If I’m hiring and a candidate holds an inventor’s certificate from this course, they will have a significant advantage,” Badesha asserted.
The course has attracted substantial interest, with more than 70 students enrolling in its first offering. Interactive elements, such as discussion forums, have facilitated robust engagement and learning.
Badesha envisions the course as a dynamic platform that will continue to educate, inspire, and equip students to become leaders in innovation.
Badesha Santokh, Distinguished Professor of ECE
Badesha Santokh
Distinguished Professor of ECE