5. Mistakes to avoid

5.1 Don't apply for a patent at any price

While the granting of a patent gives its owner a monopoly for twenty years, we must not lose sight of the fact that the counterpart of this monopoly is the disclosure of the invention. In sensitive areas such as inventions involving living organisms, there is a real risk that protection will be denied. You need to assess in advance the chances of obtaining a patent, and if necessary, know how to set up alternative means of protection (secrecy, know-how, etc.).