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G-40, University of California Patent Program, Appendix E, Suggestions
for Invention Record Keeping
August 1, 1994
SUGGESTIONS FOR INVENTION RECORD KEEPING* APPENDIX E
It is not unusual for two or more inventors to independently develop
similar inventions at about the same time. The question as to who will
receive title to the patent may well depend on who has kept the most
complete and authenticated records.
The procedure set forth below is recommended for recording data
describing original research and development work.
o Record the data in a permanently bound ledger-type notebook with
numbered pages.
o Make all entries in ink.
o Put the date and your signature at the top of each page and at the
end of each experiment.
o Periodically, have your notes reviewed by two knowledgeable persons
(not the inventor, co-inventors, or developers of the work being
recorded) and authenticated by attaching the statement shown below.
When especially significant data are being recorded, this should be
done at least once a week.
AUTHENTICATION FORM
Disclosed to and understood by me
this day of
Signed
Signed
o Make entries on consecutive pages; do not leave large blank spaces.
o Attach documentary materials - photographs, sketches and data sheets
to the appropriate notebook pages. Materials that must be handled
separately should be clearly cited, giving all identifying information,
in the notebook,
o Make no erasures and remove no pages. If you wish to correct an
entry, cross out the erroneous words with a single line (do not
obliterate the incorrect entry) and insert the correction directly
above or following the deleted material. Initial and date the change.
o The description should be sufficiently clear and complete so that
someone else with knowledge in the subject area can understand the
device or method.
o The date of the first actual reduction to practice of an invention is
especially important. Two witnesses to the first successful test or
operation of a possible invention should record the event in their own
notebooks and authenticate the inventor's notebook.
o Record new ideas in the notebook.
A sample of a properly maintained notebook page is reproduced in figure
1.
Adapted from Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Pub. 252, courtesy of Robert
J. Morris
Date and sign at the top of the page
Make description complete enough so that it is obvious what you have
in mind
Sign and date at the end of each entry
Witnesses should read all entries back to previous authentication
Start next entry immediately below signatures of witnesses - do not
leave large blank areas
Figure 1. Sample notebook page.
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