Confidentiality and Disclosure
I work with many research groups around the world. I see a lot of poor management of confidential material, which in principle damages the commercial use of an invention. I devote a number of preaching sessions to TOs and researchers to think about what they do. The never ending list of breaches could start hereI enter offices, shared by many, where confidential reports, letters, patent applications etc lie around- often in piles. Students, visitors etc come and go. Not good enough. Get a locked drawer at least.
Computers with confidential material are accesible to passers-by. Terrible.
Password protection is a must. Better: don't store any confidential information on networked PCs. Use Collaborative Software.
Most use e-mail to manage their correspondence with fellow scientists, send confidential results, documents etc. Read this Blog about The Bad in Email or see why you should use Collaborative Software.
Very few keep track of their correspondence. Good scientists log their experiments. Once you have started inventive work which might involve commercialization, then immediately create a log with details of who does what, when etc and who gets what when etc.
Many grant funding authorities (governments) demand copies of research reports with confidential information. Wait to file here until you have filed your patent. Make sure that the authority manages confidentiality! Check what they do- ask them.
In many experiments you get the help of advanced technology suppliers (microscopes, biological material, special materials etc). if you give them critical (to your future IP) specifications, make sure they sign a Confidentiality Agreement, before you enter into collaboration.
Many projects and experiments are done with and by students, who are not part of the inventors' group, Make sure they are under non-disclosure regime.I'll follow up on this awfully important topic.
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