Why patenting matters

What you need to know about patenting

• Patent before publishing

  The general rule is ‘patent before you publish’: once an invention is made public (for example, in a scientific article or a conference presentation) patenting may no longer be possible.

  However, publishing and applying for a patent are not mutually exclusive: in some cases, both processes can take place simultaneously. The business developers at VU IXA-GO are happy to advise you on the best way to approach this. Please get in touch.

• Protecting your IP: the first step 

  Applying for patent protection requires time and expertise. We guide you through the process, from submitting an Invention Disclosure Form to identifying potential partners. VU IXA-GO supports you through every step. 

  Once the patent has been filed, the business developer, together with you, actively identifies companies or organisations that may be interested in your invention. Throughout the process, IXA-GO works closely with you as the inventor. 

• Ownership and Inventorship 

  Under the Dutch Patent Act, universities and medical centres own the rights to inventions made by their employees. Their intellectual property regulations extend this to others working under their supervision, such as interns and externally funded PhD candidates. 

  At the same time, researchers’ inventorship is recognised: anyone who made an original and intellectual contribution is considered an inventor. When your patented knowledge is put to use, the resulting revenue is shared between you as the inventor, your faculty, and the university's valorisation fund, ensuring your contribution is recognised and rewarded. 

• Reporting and protection your IP with VU IXA-GO 

  According to institutional IP policies, any idea or invention with commercial potential must be reported to VU IXA-GO. IXA assesses whether protection is needed, for example through a patent, after which the knowledge can be commercialised via licensing to a company or a spin-off. 

  Please contact VU IXA-GO. 

• VU Patent Fund 

  The VU Patent Fund covers the costs of both filing and maintaining the patent. 

• Open science & patents: striking the right balance 

  Open science encourages sharing knowledge and developing research openly – but once published, an invention can no longer be patented. In areas like text and software, copyright and clear licensing (e.g., Creative Commons) are essential to protect your work while making it accessible. 

  Need guidance? Contact VU IXA-GO to find the right approach for your research.  

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