Is it just an idea - or a patentable invention?
- Date
- 19 September 2025, 12:00–13:00
- Location
- UU Innovation, Hubben, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 38 in Uppsala Science Park
- Type
- Seminar
- Lecturer
- Louise Tottie, Kevin Rich och Kieron O’Connell, patent attorneys with Potter Clarkson
- Organiser
- UU Innovation
- Contact person
- Kerstin Ekelöf
In many technical fields, patents play a key role in bringing academic results into commercial use. But how can you tell whether your research outputs are merely ideas, or if they meet the threshold of a patentable invention?
Patent attorneys Louise Tottie, Kevin Rich, and Kieron O’Connell from Potter Clarkson will join as guest speakers at the seminar.
In this seminar, patent attorneys from Potter Clarkson will explain the distinction between an idea and a patentable invention from a legal perspective, and how to assess whether your research has the potential to be protected with a patent. Particular focus will be placed on what kind of data and how much evidence is required for a successful patent application – requirements that vary significantly depending on the field of technology. Timely questions surrounding AI-generated data will form part of the discussion.
Using practical examples, the speakers will illustrate why a few drawings may be sufficient in some cases, while in others, even an entire thesis might fall short. The seminar will also cover what can safely be published once a patent application has been filed – again, with real-world examples of both best practices and common pitfalls.
This session is aimed at researchers in all technical fields, especially those who may be dealing with potentially patentable results now or in the future. There will be time for questions and informal discussion.
Practical Information:
A light lunch will be served from 12:00, and the seminar will begin at 12:15.
About the Speakers:
Potter Clarkson is a leading intellectual property law firm with offices in both the UK and the Nordics. During the seminar, you will hear from patent attorneys Louise Tottie, Kevin Rich, and Kieron O’Connell.
Registration:
Register for the event here
Please register by 12 September.