Keep it secret! Advice for your first patent application

October 9, 2019 Jane 0

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…

Attached Issue № 0819
business skills

Protecting your IP: Where to start?

September 19, 2019 Jane 0

The cultural difference between an academic openness and the need for privacy in early stages of a commercial enterprise are pronounced. If a patent portfolio is part of your company offering, then you will need to reconsider what you disclose publicly from now on.

We spoke with Adrian Tombling from Withers & Rogers to get his perspective as a patent attorney. With his own academic background in genetics, he has extensive experience representing biotech and pharma companies in patent applications.

There are two pieces of fundamental advice to consider regarding your start up.

Firstly, you must not disclose it publicly until you’ve considered whether you want to protect it via a patent. This is essential. Clients have said to me “I’ve got this great idea…I only disclosed this part”. But often what they…

Attached Issue № 0519