Whether you're developing a new gene therapy supported by a nonobvious use of a bacterium or a formulation that will potentially amend the way we have a tendency to treat cancer, keeping sensible records should be a priority while you work on your invention. If your patent application is challenged or if you discover someone has infringed on it, smart documents may well be the key to winning the dispute.
Reasons to Record Your Progress
Here are some more reasons why you should keep records of your progress:
How to Record Data
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What to Record
Your record of the invention is a record of your initial idea. Here's a suggested format:
Name of Invention: _____________________________________
Purpose: _____________________________________________
Description: __________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Working Sketch or Diagram:
Novel Features: _______________________________________
Prior Art: ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Advantages of Your Invention: _________________________
_____________________________________________________
Disadvantages: ________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________
Date: ______________________
WITNESSED & UNDERSTOOD
____________________________________
Witness
____________________________________
Date
Keeping Secrets
Take steps to ensure that your action and the contents of your lab book are kept secret. Consider obtaining confidentiality agreements for your witnesses. Add the road "The above information is confidential" just above your witness-signature area lab it says "WITNESSED AND UNDERSTOOD." Finally, contemplate lockup your science laboratory book in your desk at the end of the day.
The Working File
Use a folder (the kind that is sealed into a pocket is maybe best) to keep things like receipts, correspondence, canceled checks, and other miscellaneous documents about your invention. If the item does not have a date on it, note the date you received it, e.g., "Received on [DATE]."
Rent a Lawyer Skilled in Patents and Inventions
Don't let somebody else take credit for your invention your work should be legally protected to the fullest extent of the law, but initially, you Need to require the right steps. Speak to specializes in intellectual property attomey lawyer UN agency makes a specialty of patents today.
For more information, visit the Intellectual Property section.
Additional Resources