How is the information in a patent application protected from disclosure during discussions with companies or individuals who are potential licensees?
When a company or individual is interested in a technology which is still in the patent application process, they will frequently seek access to confidential information related to a patent from the inventor through, for example, detailed discussions with the inventor or site visits to the inventor’s laboratory. Confidential disclosure agreements (sometimes called non-disclosure agreements) are contracts which bind a receiver of confidential information (the potential licensee) to secrecy. OTTED will help with the preparation, negotiation, and execution of confidential disclosure agreements. A standard form for such agreements is in place which has been approved by the Vanderbilt Office of the General Counsel. If the agreement allows for confidential disclosure to Vanderbilt by the other party, then OTTED will inform the inventor(s) or principal investigator(s) of his/her responsibilities under the terms of the agreement.
Related Questions
- After I submit an Invention Disclosure Form (IDF) to AP&C, how long will it be before I know whether or not a patent application (or other type of application) will be filed?
- How is the information in a patent application protected from disclosure during discussions with companies or individuals who are potential licensees?
- When must a patent application be filed before the first public disclosure or offer for sale?
