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Team:British Columbia/Human Practices/FAQ
From 2012.igem.org
iGEM Guide to Intellectual Property
Introduction
The iGEM competition is heavily dependent on the development of new ideas and use of already patented ones. For this reason, the 2012 UBC team has decided to create a cohesive resource to answer questions pertinent to the iGEM community. We hope that this FAQ page will serve as a good starting point for people trying to understand intellectual property laws and will guide you in determining what direction is right for your project. The content of this page has been tailored to address issues most relevant to iGEM, which were determined after surveying multiple teams.
The main focus of this FAQ page will be on patents, as they are the most common type of intellectual property that iGEM teams deal with. We have tried to present the information in a country-neutral manner, but keep in mind that patent laws vary from region to region. The content here are often generalizations that will give you an idea of how intellectual property works.
What is intellectual property?
How long does it take to get a patent?
How much information about my idea can I disclose before I get a patent?
Who should I talk to if I want to determine the patentability of my idea?
What is intellectual property?
Intellectual property (IP), according to the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, are "legal rights that result from intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary, and artistic fields" [1]. This can come in the forms such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.
What are copyrights?
Copyrights give creators of original, dramatic, artistic, musical, and literary works exclusive rights to use them [2]. These are applicable to computer programs.
What are patents?
Patents are the "right[s], granted by government, to exclude others from making, using, or selling your invention" [3]. To qualify for a patent, the idea must fufill certain criteria:
- Utility: The invention must do what you claim it to do
- Novelty: The idea must be unique and not previously mentioned in any literature
- Non-obviousness: The invention must not be of something that can easily be thought up by non-experts
- Material Patentability: The subject matter must be considered patentable by the government issuing the patent
How are patents used?
How much does a patent cost?
How long does it take to get a patent?
How much information can I disclose about my idea before I get a patent?
Who should I talk to if I want to determine the patentability of my idea?
Universities usually have their own Technology Transfer Office (TTO) or University-Industry Liason Office (UILO). They handle intellectual property owned by the institution and assist university groups in protecting their ideas. If your learning institution has such an office, it would be the best starting point for you. They will guide you through the patenting process step by step from there and can provide you with any consultation you may need. In addition, they are also able to put you in contact with professionals, such as patent lawyers, whose expertise you may need.
Acknowledgements
This guide is a product of the cooperation between the 2012 UBC iGEM team and ....
