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Protecting IP Section 3 What can I do to help protect any IP which I create? Patents Some practical tips to help protect your inventions, including how to register a patent are set out below: Practical tips If you come up with a new invention, is it patentable (see Section 1)? Consider whether your invention has been previously disclosed – e.g. look at existing patents, key word searches. Use the internet, in particular esp@cenet. Keep both originals and copies of all notes, reports, drawings, lab books etc. relating to the invention in a secure place. You should try to record as much detail as possible. Ensure all originals and copies are dated and are sufficiently detailed (and clear!) to identify the invention and how it works. Get your supervisor to sign and date laboratory notebooks on a regular basis. Keep the invention confidential (see Section 4 for practical tips on confidentiality). If you need to disclose any information, you should first speak to your supervisor. If, having done your initial searches/investigations you still think your idea is patentable, let your supervisor know and contact your IP commercialisation organisation to set up a meeting. If it is decided to go ahead, a patent application can be drawn up, usually with the help of a patent agent, and filed at the UK IPO. Once filed, you can indicate on any relevant marketing literature, publications or products "Patent applied for, No. [NUMBER]". Do not do this before you have filed, as it is illegal to do so. 18