Why hesitate on patent protection?
Often because publication is pressing and you fear losing momentum. Yet patenting and publication can go hand in hand if you think about it early enough. In short: secure first, then publish. That way you lose no time and your invention is protected.
Do’s
Start early
Report your invention as soon as you start writing your paper. That is the moment when the idea is tangible and documented.
Secure the window
This early invention disclosure gives the patent team enough room to review the invention and file the patent application in time.
Publication without pitfalls
Once the patent application is filed, the manuscript can be published – the invention is then protected.
Don'ts until the patent application is filed
Present, post, or upload anything publicly.
If exchange is necessary, only under confidentiality (NDA).
Not everyone involved has your expert knowledge. A clear, well-structured presentation is all the more important.
In the section “Invention description – How to describe your invention clearly and comprehensibly for your invention disclosure”, we guide you through the most important steps to describe your invention understandably.
And as always: contact your university's technology transfer office or us directly with specific questions.
