Everything you need
to know about turning ideas
into groundbreaking innovation
Internal programs within the Hadassah Ecosystem
Hadassah Inventor's Guide
What is
intellectual
property?
| Registered rights: Patents Trademarks Copyrights Industrial design rights |
Non-registered IP: Trade secrets Know-how |
Patents are the main type of IP produced in Hadassah medical center by employees and students. According to section 132 (a) of Israeli patent law all these patents are Hadassah property.
How to protect
your invention
An invention is entitled to a patent only if it was not publicly disclosed prior to filing of a patent application.
The “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of protecting you invention are:
- Do not publicly disclose your invention/idea! Public disclosure includes: Scientific manuscripts, Conferences, presentations, discussions with companies and etc.
- Your own public disclosure can be cited against you during the prosecution of the patent.
- Patents are complicated legal documents, and each word should be carefully considered – Hadasit’s IP experts will make sure your invention is properly protected.
The process for
IP protection &
patent registration
- A meeting with Hadasit’s team that includes IP and BD (business development) experts to initiate the process.
- Completion of Disclosure of Invention (DOI) form by the inventor reciting the main features of the invention and the inventors,
- Hadasit Presentation of the technology/invention to Hadassah’s patent committee for Go/NoGo decision on filing the patent application.
- Drafting, filing and later maintenance of patent applications.
- New patent applications will be tied with obligations of the inventors to perform 1-year research plan that will allow the support of the patent claims towards the first year milestone of international (PCT) application.
FAQ’s
What types of technologies can be patented in the life sciences and medtech sectors?
Technologies that can be patented in the life sciences and medtech sectors include inventions related to medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, genetic engineering, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Examples include new medical devices, new chemical compounds, new methods of treating diseases, and new genetic sequencing techniques. Re-purposing of drugs is also patentable, given that such new use is not obvious and could not be derived from the previous indication.
How do I know if my technology is eligible for a patent?
To be eligible for a patent, your technology must meet the criteria of novelty, non-obviousness, and utility. Novelty means that the invention must be new and not previously disclosed or made public, in any form. Non-obviousness (inventive step) means that the invention must not be an obvious development of existing technology. Utility means that the invention must have a practical application.
How do I apply for a patent in the life sciences and medtech sectors?
Any hospital employee must first submit an invention disclosure form to Hadasit, and Hadasit will decide whether it is interested in supporting the filing of a patent application or not. To apply for a patent, a patent application must be filed with the relevant patent office. The application must include a detailed description of the invention, along with any necessary drawings or diagrams. The patent office will then review the application to determine if the invention meets the criteria for patentability.
How long does it take to obtain a patent in the life sciences and medtech sectors?
There is great variability in the time span for obtaining a patent from filing to grant. It varies mostly on the complexity of the technology, and the backlog of patent applications at the relevant patent office. In general, it will take several years from the filing of a national patent application to the grant of the patent, and likely anywhere between 2-5 years, in average.
What are the benefits of obtaining a patent in the life sciences and medtech sectors?
Obtaining a patent provides a number of benefits, including the ability to exclude others from making, using, or selling the patented invention for a certain period of time, and suing for infringement anyone who violates this right. This provides an incentive for the investment in research and development, and a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Once patent applications are filed, Hadasit makes use of them for the commercialization of the technology through license.
How can I protect my invention in the medtech sector if it involves software or algorithms?
In the medtech sector, inventions involving software or algorithms can be protected through a combination of patents, copyrights, and trade secrets. Patents can be used to protect the underlying technology or process, while copyrights can protect the specific expression of the software or algorithm. Trade secrets can be used to protect any confidential or proprietary information related to the invention.
What are the potential patent infringement risks in the life sciences and medtech sectors, and how can I mitigate them?
In the life sciences and medtech sectors, patent infringement risks can arise if a competitor develops or markets a product that is similar to your patented invention. To mitigate these risks, it is important to monitor the marketplace for potential infringing products. If infringement is suspected, legal action may be necessary to enforce the patent. In order to ensure that your product does not infringe competitor’s products, a freedom-to-operate search should be performed before going into large production/market.