A patentable invention is a new, useful and non-obvious: Process, machine, composition of matter, article of manufacture, an algorithm or, any new and useful improvement to the above. If you think your idea may qualify, please call the Office of Innovation Management and we can help.
Yes. The following events may have the same effect as a publication in that they bar foreign rights and require any US patent to be filed within one year. Depending on the circumstances, the following may constitute public disclosure:
Any public disclosure such as an oral presentation or poster presentation, the invention was sold or offered for sale, the invention was used commercially, the invention was publicly displayed or used, or disclosed to colleagues in absence of a confidentiality agreement.
Unfortunately, if you publish your discovery before a patent application is filed; all foreign patent rights will be lost. However, you still have a one year grace period to file for US patent protection.
Generally, a patent application should be filed before your manuscript is published. This can take the form of a provisional patent application which protects the technology for one year at minimum cost. And, it can usually be completed quickly so it can be prepared and filed even after you’ve submitted a manuscript for publication.
