Why You Should Patent and Publish – And How We’ll Help You Do It
For many academics, publishing is the gold standard – a way to share new knowledge, contribute to your field, and build a credible research profile. But if your work has commercial potential, publishing alone might not unlock its full impact. At the University of Manchester Innovation Factory, we regularly work with researchers who are surprised to learn that you can – and should – do both: publish and patent.
Why patenting doesn’t mean giving up on publishing
There’s a common myth that patenting and publishing are mutually exclusive. They’re not. You just need to get the timing right.
A patent application must be filed before your research is disclosed publicly – including in journal articles, conference posters, or even an open-access thesis. But once that patent is filed, you can publish as normal. In fact, publishing alongside patenting can be a powerful combination, helping to demonstrate credibility, attract collaborators, and support your next funding application.
Our Head of IP, Freddy Guemeni, breaks it down in this short video:
The benefits of combining patent and publish
✔️ Boost research visibility and credibility
Publishing builds your academic profile and brings peer-reviewed recognition. Adding a patent shows that your work has real-world application and commercial potential.
✔️ Support for grant applications
Patents are often a prerequisite for translational funding – such as NIHR or MRC DPFS grants. They also strengthen your REF impact case and make your project more attractive to external investors and partners.
✔️ Attract industry interest
Many companies are more likely to collaborate or license technology that’s protected by a patent. Publishing the research, meanwhile, helps you reach those potential partners in the first place.
✔️ Advance your career
We’ve seen researchers secure professorships, attract angel investment, and build award-winning spinouts – not just through high-impact publications, but by combining academic outputs with strategic IP protection.
How we can help
Navigating the patent-and-publish process can feel daunting. That’s where we come in. The Innovation Factory works closely with University of Manchester researchers to make the process as smooth and successful as possible.
Here’s what we offer:
Early-stage advice on strategy and timing
We’ll help you understand when to disclose, what can be protected, and how to balance your publication timeline with commercialisation goals.
Patent protection
Our team manages the patent filing process in collaboration with expert attorneys – at no cost to you.
Commercialisation guidance
We help explore pathways to impact, whether that’s licensing to industry, forming a spinout, or supporting your grant applications with a compelling business case.
Comms and storytelling support
We can help raise the profile of your innovation with potential stakeholders and investors through clear, compelling case studies and IP-friendly communications.
In short: you don’t have to choose between academic and commercial success. With the right support and timing, you can have both – and we’re here to help you get there.
Got a promising project? Get in touch with our team to explore your next steps.
