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.
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