Prior to filing a patent, businesses need to ensure the confidentiality of their new inventions is maintained. Confidential information related to the new invention and other types of trade secrets are given specific levels of legal protection and rights. Those rights disappear once the patent application is published. Companies will need to make forward looking decisions to ensure patenting is the best route for protecting their IP. In this special topic, activities and issues to be considered before filing a patent application and the process for filing will be covered. Upon completion of this section you should be able to:
Management of Confidential Information and Trade Secrets
The following resources describe the legal rights for confidential information and trade secrets, and best practices for maintaining those rights. Included is a confidential disclosure agreement (CDA) template, sometimes referred to as a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), with annotated notes.
Patenting Strategy
Patents may comprise all if not most of a company's assets, especially in early start-ups. A patenting strategy is critical for developing a valuable patent portfolio in a cost-effective manner. An IP strategy is important for deciding which countries to seek patent protection or even if patent protection should be sought at all.
Preparing and Filing a Patent Application
Securing granted patents is complex and expensive. Seeking professional legal advice is a must for assessment of your invention and filing the patent application. There are steps that an inventor or company can perform prior to filing to reduce costs and help secure a granted patent that will protect the commercially valuable aspects of an invention. The patent application process consists of many stages and steps before a patent is granted or possibly abandoned.
Managing your Patents and Competitive Analysis
European Patent Office (EPO): case study
Graded Quiz