Keep it secret! Advice for your first patent application

Ross Cummings is a biochemist and specialist private practice patent attorney, who works with biotech companies and universities to develop their IP portfolios and strategy to support their commercial goals.

What’s your advice for people putting together a patent application for the first time?

Firstly, and most importantly, do not disclose anything to any third party outside a very clear, signed confidentiality agreement. Keep the invention secret until a patent application has been filed at the patent office. Then, ensure that any later disclosure does not go beyond the contents of the patent application. Ideally, you should…