The Anatomy of Patents and Intellectual Property

Summary: Medicine is ripe for new ideas, and plastic surgeons are some of the most capable innovators. Some may choose to pursue the development and entrepreneurship of their idea. In these cases, obtaining a form of intellectual property such as a patent, copyright, or trademark can be a wise decision. Doing so can provide the inventor with the exclusive and legal right to their invention. Unfortunately, the process to acquire these forms of intellectual property, especially patents, can be a confusing and time-consuming process. This article provides a primer on patents and intellectual property for the aspiring inventor.