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After working on a project some times, some results are obtained and we decide to publish it. I know publishing a paper and applying a patent can actually happen in the same time, but is there any difference for their priority?

For example, if I obtain a patent first for my results, will it make it more difficult to publish the same results in academic paper, or vice versa?

If I do it together, will there be any conflict between them?

ff524
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bingung
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1 Answers1

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In the U.S., you may file a patent application up to one year after the invention is described in a publication, in public use, or on sale. So if you publish something on your invention and also wish to patent it, you only have one year from the date of publication to apply for the patent. Similar rules may apply in other countries; it's a good idea to consult a lawyer.

There is no conflict the other way around; you can publish after the patent application (or at the same time) without issues.

ff524
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    Be aware that there is no grace period in Europe, amongst other jurisdictions, for applying for a patent to subject matter which has been previously published (save in special circumstances such as a breach of confidence).

    +1 for consult a lawyer, with the proviso that you do so BEFORE you publicly disseminate any results on which you may base a future non-US patent application .

     – Nicholas May 04 '14 at 23:07
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    @ff524: Please incorporate Nicholas's comments into your answer. That's an important point. – keshlam Sep 02 '14 at 22:03
  • @ff524 I'll second keshlam's request. Please incorporate Nicholas's comments into the answer because they are important. – E.P. Nov 17 '15 at 18:56