Tulane University Startup Guide

The Patent Journey: From Conception to Issuance

The path to securing a patent in the United States is a complex one, fraught with procedural nuances, strategic considerations, and significant investment. For inventors and technology transfer offices, navigating this process requires a clear understanding of four key stages involved


Types of Intellectual Property Protection

Discover the essentials of intellectual property protection—whether it's copyright for creative works, patents for inventions, trademarks for brand identity, or trade secrets for confidential information. Each type offers unique legal rights to safeguard your ideas and innovations.


Using Non-Monetary Agreements as Early Partnering and Engagement Tools

Non-monetary agreements, such as NDAs, MTAs, and collaboration agreements, are vital for early partnerships in innovation. They protect intellectual property, foster trust, and support successful commercialization. Sponsorship agreements further drive technological advancement by offering flexible funding and industry collaboration, helping turn ideas into impactful products.


Patent Protection: Time Sensitive Protection Regime

Patent protection is a race against time. Publicly disclosing your invention too early can jeopardize its patentability. In the U.S.'s "first-to-file" system, filing promptly is key to securing a patent. Before filing, conduct a patentability assessment to ensure your invention meets legal criteria, and evaluate its market potential to gauge commercial viability.