Answer:

No. If you disclose your invention to a member of the public before applying for a patent, then that disclosure becomes prior art and may invalidate your patent application. This disclosure includes publications in newspapers, magazines, websites, books, discussion with people who have no legal obligation to keep your invention confidential, etc.

Some countries, such as the USA, provide a “grace period” during which an applicant may still file a patent application even if the invention has been published without said publication counting as prior art. However, there are countries were no “grace period” is provided.

Basic Concepts Every Inventor Should Know About Patents

Lorraine Hernández breaks down what inventors need to know about patents and applying for them. 

View Our Article

Keeping the “Tell” in Intellectual Property

Steve Barsotti spoke to Columbus CEO about balancing the need to protect your IP with the need to share it. 

View Their Article

@Lorraine_IPLaw

Active in Columbus’s community of young professionals? Follow Lorraine Hernández on Twitter. 

View Her Twitter