The Level of Awareness of Intellectual Property Rights among Graduate Students at Misurata University in the Digital Environment

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the level of awareness of intellectual property rights among postgraduate students at the University of Misrata within the digital environment. The descriptive-analytical approach was employed. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of three dimensions: awareness of international organizations and conventions related to intellectual property rights, awareness of information rights (academic and legal), and awareness of practices in the digital environment.

The study population comprised all postgraduate students enrolled in the Faculties of Arts, Science, and Engineering at the University of Misrata, totaling 1,481 students. A sample of 306 male and female 

students was selected. Data analysis was conducted using means, standard deviations, percentage weights, tests of normality, and homogeneity of variance.

The findings revealed that the overall level of awareness of intellectual property rights among postgraduate students was moderate. Awareness of international organizations and global conventions regulating intellectual property rights was also moderate and relatively lower than that of the other dimensions. While students demonstrated adequate awareness of the academic and practical aspects of information rights, their awareness of certain legal and procedural aspects remained limited. Moreover, the results indicated that students exhibited sound academic practices to a greater extent than their theoretical or institutional knowledge of intellectual property rights.

Statistically significant differences were found between students of the Faculty of Arts and those of the Faculty of Science in favor of the Faculty of Arts, whereas no statistically significant differences were observed with respect to the academic level (Master’s/Doctoral).