This paper aims to identify the setting for innovation and knowledge protection in the academic world as well as the difficulties found by researchers in the patenting process. For this purpose, the method used was the case study. The data collection was done in interviews with researchers and managers of an Innovation Agency at a University in the State of Paraná, in Brazil.  The results showed a setting characterized by the lack of human resources and support to carry out innovative research. In addition, this University's administrative structure is viewed as small and bureaucratic, which, with other additional difficulties, does not corroborate for the culture of intellectual property and innovation in the academic realm.