Young Inventors Prompt Colleges to Revamp Rules

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Faculty members and researchers aren't the only experts inventing new software applications on college campuses.

Young students, using their own homegrown computer expertise, are doing it, too. And universities are pondering whether to claim some ownership of the apps the students create.

The University of Missouri recently decided to drop a claim against a group of students who invented an iPhone application for tracking local rental property. The university then created a new policy spelling out student rights for inventions created for school contests or in student clubs.

But some other universities require students to show their invention in no way benefitted from the university. Others are hoping softer policies on patents will help attract young entrepreneurs.