How does publication or other public disclosure affect the protection of my invention or idea?
In order to retain the potential for foreign patent protection, wait until after a U.S. patent application is filed to publish or publicly disclose your invention. Although the U.S. system allows you one year from first public disclosure of your invention to file a U.S. patent application, public disclosure before filing a U.S. patent application bars your invention from foreign patent protection. This is important because many potential licensees find foreign patents necessary. Remember, patent applications can often be filed in a timely fashion. As a result, the patent process does not prevent scientific publication, and in most cases, it does not delay publishing. • What do I do if I want to discuss confidential aspects of a disclosure with a third party, such as an individual or a commercial organization, or enter into a collaboration? A Confidentiality Agreement, Non-Disclosure Agreement, or Confidential Disclosure Agreement should be signed by all parties. If confidential informa