Before You Publish or Present Your Innovation: Here's What Every Researcher and Innovator Should Know.

In my previous article, "Why Great Research Deserves Patent Protection Before Publication: Publish or Patent First?", we discussed why filing a patent application before publishing is often essential to preserve valuable intellectual property rights.

Building on that discussion, I'd like to highlight another important aspect—protecting an innovation is not just about filing a patent; it's about recognising its patent potential at the right time.

Every year, researchers and innovators devote countless hours—often months or even years to developing new technologies, improving existing processes, and solving complex technical challenges. Sharing those achievements through journal publications, conference presentations, or technical papers is an important part of advancing science and innovation.

However, before taking that exciting step of sharing your work with the world, it is worth taking a moment to consider whether your research could also benefit from patent protection.

A well-planned intellectual property (IP) strategy doesn't require researchers to choose between publication and patents. Instead, it helps them achieve both academic recognition and long-term commercial value.

Here are a few key considerations that every researcher and innovator should keep in mind before making their work public.

1. Recognise Patent Potential Early

Not every research outcome will qualify for patent protection, but many valuable innovations are unintentionally overlooked because intellectual property is considered only after the research has been completed.

An invention may be patentable if it provides a novel technical solution, involves an inventive step, and has industrial applicability. Identifying these characteristics early gives researchers the opportunity to evaluate their innovation, prepare a robust patent application, and develop an effective commercialisation strategy before any public disclosure.

Early planning often makes all the difference.

2. Be Mindful of Public Disclosure

Researchers are naturally encouraged to share knowledge, but public disclosure can have important implications for patent protection.

Journal publications, conference presentations, posters, theses, webinars, preprint servers, public demonstrations, social media posts, and even discussions held without appropriate confidentiality arrangements may all be considered public disclosures.

In many jurisdictions, once an invention has been publicly disclosed, it may no longer satisfy the novelty requirement for obtaining a patent.

Taking a little time to consider IP protection before publication can help safeguard years of research and preserve future opportunities.

3. Remember That Patents Create More Than Legal Rights

A patent is much more than a certificate of ownership; it is a valuable business asset.

A strong patent portfolio can enhance the value of research by attracting industry collaborations, supporting technology transfer, encouraging investment, creating licensing opportunities, and strengthening research funding prospects.

For universities, startups, and research institutions, patents also demonstrate that research has the potential to deliver real-world impact beyond the laboratory.

4. Make Intellectual Property Part of the Research Journey

Intellectual property should not be viewed as the final step in the research process. Instead, it should be considered alongside the development of the innovation itself.

Engaging with your institution's IP cell or consulting a patent professional at an early stage can help assess patentability, identify relevant prior art, and determine the most appropriate protection strategy.

When IP planning begins early, researchers can confidently move forward with publication while knowing that their innovation has been appropriately protected.

5. Publication and Patents Can Go Hand in Hand

There is often a misconception that researchers must choose between publishing their work and obtaining patent protection.

In reality, the two complement one another. Publications contribute to scientific knowledge and academic recognition, while patents protect innovation and create pathways for commercialisation.

Many of the world's leading universities, research organisations, and technology companies successfully balance both by adopting a simple strategy:

Protect first. Publish next.

This approach allows researchers to share their discoveries with confidence while preserving opportunities for collaboration, investment, licensing, and future development.

Final Thoughts

Every innovation begins with curiosity, dedication, and a desire to solve real-world problems. Those efforts deserve not only recognition through publication but also protection where appropriate.

Considering intellectual property before publishing is not about delaying research or limiting knowledge sharing. Rather, it is about ensuring that valuable innovations have the best opportunity to create lasting academic, societal, and commercial impact.

A small step taken before publication can protect years of hard work and open doors to opportunities that extend far beyond the research laboratory.

Protect your innovation today, so you can share it with confidence tomorrow.

Have you or your organisation/institute ever considered patent protection before publishing research? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

What’s next: Not Every Innovation is Patentable: Here's What Researchers or Innovator Need to Know…