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Entrepreneurial Skills

When you’re faced with wanting to start your own business or needing to protect your ideas and products, it is wise to do some background research on issues you are likely to encounter.

The APS and the Association of Chairs of Departments of Physiology recommend that trainees understand the importance of and work to develop the following skills:

1. Knowledge of intellectual property rights
2. Recognition and acknowledgment of potential conflicts of interest
3. Understanding of appropriate steps/procedures for dealing with conflicts of interest
4. Knowledge of patents process
5. Skills in negotiating

Here are some web sites that you might find useful.*

Intellectual Property
Pointers for Would-Be Bioentrepreneurs
Mark Tang, The Scientist
Oct. 2003

Education for Would-Be Entrepreneurs
G. Steven Burrill, The Scientist
March 2003

Secure Your Lab Secrets
Frank A. Cona, The Scientist

Protect Your Ideas
Raymond Fersko, The Scientist

Conflict of Interest
Conflict of Interest
NIH Office of Extramural Research

Conflict of Interest Information and Resources
NIH

See also your own Institution's Conflict of Interest statement

Patents
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Information regarding the patent and trademark

patents.com Intellectual Property Law Web Server
Answers to frequently asked questions about patents, copyrights, and trademarks from Oppedahl & Larson LLP

Negotiating
Tips for Negotiating Contracts
Joseph Rockne, Washington State Bar Assoc.
May/June 2000

Also, see your Institution's relevant office for more information or assistance

*APS does not endorse or assume responsibility for the information posted on these web sites.

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