An invention is a new, concrete, and implementable solution to a specific problem. It goes beyond mere observations and can be put into practice (prototype, process, system, technical effect, therapeutic, diagnostic).
Limitations
- This is not an evaluation of your idea or invention: this check does not assess the quality or relevance of your research.
- The result is an initial indication of whether an invention might be present.
- If you have questions or uncertainties before publication, use the advice of your university's technology transfer office.
Why this check?
Many ideas fail not because they are bad, but because people clarify too late how much potential they hold: Have you already thought about what potential your idea or invention could have for industry or start-ups?
Patents can be marketed strategically and thus pave the way from idea to market-ready product.
Patents can open up collaborations and make it easier to finance projects.
That's why it pays to recognise opportunities and use potential.
Patent first, then publish
Publications and patenting are not mutually exclusive – they complement each other when the order is right. Those who check early whether research results can be patented increase the likelihood that good ideas are not only published but also used effectively.
Ready for the next step?
Click here to start step 2 “Have I made an invention?”.
