Suffern, N.Y., June 30, 2009 – General Patent Corporation (GPC), a leading intellectual property (IP) boutique focusing on patent licensing and enforcement, announced today that Jack Granowitz has joined General Patent Corporation’s Advisory Board of Directors. Mr. Granowitz was one of the founders of the Technology Transfer office at Columbia University and its Executive Director from 1988 until 2000.
“We are very pleased to have Jack join our Advisory Board,” said Dr. Alexander Poltorak, Chairman and CEO of General Patent Corporation. “As a founder of one of the most successful university tech transfer offices in the US, Jack has a unique perspective on the challenges facing universities that seek to produce a return on their investment in research. Jack’s insight into the academic tech transfer business will be invaluable to General Patent in developing our services to the academic community.”
The Advisory Board of Directors at General Patent Corporation will advise the company’s senior management on strategic issues including industry trends and business developments. Mr. Granowitz is the first member to join the Advisory Board. This choice signals a strong commitment on the part of General Patent Corporation in serving universities and the academic community.
“General Patent, which is well known for its commitment to supporting innovation, can play an important role in helping universities and their spinoffs to license and enforce valuable patents,” observed Jack Granowitz. “I am very pleased to join GPC’s Advisory Board and look forward to advising their executives on issues related to university business.”
Under the leadership of Mr. Granowitz, Columbia University’s revenue from intellectual property licensing and support for industrial research and development grew to more than $167 million a year. Prior to joining Columbia University, Jack Granowitz worked in the corporate health care sector. He was Vice President/General Manager of the International Division of IPCO Corporation and also
held executive positions at American Cyanamid and Pfizer. Mr. Granowitz holds several patents related to medical and surgical products. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering from New York University and an MBA from Iona College.