Protect your ideas to be sure of their impact. Securing them starts with understanding Intellectual Property (IP).
What is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual Property (IP) covers ‘creations of the mind’, such as inventions, designs, software, and know-how with value for academia and society. Intellectual property rights (IPR) protect these creations by granting the creator exclusive rights for a limited time. Protection can be secured through copyright, design or trademark rights, or patents.
Why protect your IP?
- Prevent others from using your knowledge, concept or invention without permission.
- Strengthens your position with respect to other parties and competitors.
- Enable collaboration: IP Rights can be bought, sold, rented out, etc. (just like ‘regular’ property).
Cardinal rule: patent before publishing
Public disclosure – such as scientific papers or conference presentations – can make patent protection impossible. However, applying for a patent and publishing are not mutually exclusive; both can occur simultaneously. Read more on the importance of patenting.
Contact VU IXA-GO
Moreover, any idea or invention with societal and/or commercial potential should be reported to VU IXA-GO. We help assess whether protection is needed and support impact and/or commercialisation through licensing your knowledge to an external party or spin-off.
Ready to explore protection and impact or commercialisation opportunities? Please contact VU IXA-GO to get started.
