The Trump administration is threatening to take over Harvard University’s patents, saying that the university has “failed to live up to its obligations to the American taxpayer,” according to a Friday letter .

The department began a “comprehensive review” of Harvard’s federally funded research programs’ compliance with federal law, according to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who sent the letter.

If the university isn’t in compliance with federal law, the department will take them over or grant third-party licenses to Harvard’s patents, he said.

Lutnick said the federal government “places immense value on the groundbreaking scientific and technological advancements” from institutions like Harvard.

However, the Trump administration also needs to ensure that “intellectual prope

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