Abstract
Open collaboration and sharing of information among scientists at scientific meetings can foster innovation and discovery. However, such sharing can be at odds with potential patenting and commercialization objectives. This tension may be mitigated if certain procedures are followed in the context of scientific meetings. The article first discusses what makes a scientific finding patentable and then sets out four specific patent issues for scientists to consider before attending a scientific meeting and sharing their research. Finally, it provides recommendations on how scientists can best protect their intellectual property rights while sharing information at scientific meetings.
Highlights
Open collaboration and sharing of information among scientists at scientific meetings can foster innovation and discovery
The patent system does promote eventual disclosure soon after a patent is filed, whereas the absence of adequate patent protection could promote long-term secrecy of inventions so that they may be protected as trade secrets [7]
Where multiple parties are racing for patent protection, the lagging party may choose to publish their findings prematurely to limit the availability of a patent for the leading party [8]
Summary
Open collaboration and sharing of information among scientists at scientific meetings can foster innovation and discovery. In the United States, inventors have one year from the time they first disclose their scientific findings to apply for a patent for their work.
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