Emory professors and researchers co-developed two of the major drugs in the HIV/AIDS arsenal: 3TC and FTC. These discoveries are used by approximately 80% of all HIV/AIDS patients who are receiving treatment. These drugs became the subject of litigation and patent disputes during which Emory University went to extraordinary lengths to support their researchers and protect their intellectual property.

Emory financed millions of dollars of legal expenses in support of its academic researchers. In this case the university's involvement is reflected in its results: their intellectual property is intact, their researchers continue happily in their employment, and they have functional, ongoing relationships with their defendants and counterclaimants to facilitate and cultivate continued research that has improved the quality of life for patients both in the U.S. and worldwide.

This case presents an excellent example of what can happen when a university sides with its faculty and researchers.

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