The Health Technology Network XarTEC SALUT is made up of 47 research groups from Catalonia that belong to 17 different institutions (universities, hospitals, technology centers…). It aims to be a catalyst for R&D&I in the field of health technologies in Catalonia, promoting the exchange of knowledge and the transfer of technology between research groups, institutions, hospitals and companies. In addition, it aims to create and boost new innovative start-ups, offering more efficient tools for technology transfer with greater economic and social impact. This project is co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER, Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional).

During the session, Bernabé detailed the steps to be taken to obtain adequate protection for inventions, starting with the different forms of protection such as patents, know-how and copyright. He explained the concept of freedom to operate, the difference between an invention and a commercial product, discoveries that are not patentable and the shifting criteria in EU and USA, this especially effects the field of diagnostics. Special attention was given to the area of software, an indispensable element in many medical devices.

It was also explained which experiments were necessary to achieve better protection, in order to maximise the effectiveness of the experimental results. This information enables the researcher to adjust the protection to the timescale of their research. Finally, different practical examples were used to consolidate course content.