[Medical innovation. Patents and confidentiality]

Enhanced knowledge of medicine and commercialization of an innovation (product, equipment, drug ...) are the classical aims of all medical research. Only the successful commercialization of the innovation allows the largest number of patients to benefit from the achievements of this research. Successful commercialization depends on the effective cooperation between the medical researcher who possess the potential for innovation and industry which provides the means necessary for its development. This cooperation is facilitated if the innovation is patented and if researcher ans industry work together under a contract of confidentiality. In order to improve the cooperation necessary between industry, research scientists, and clinicians, we review the current rules and regulations pertaining to patents and confidentiality. An annex is included with examples of a consultants contract and a secrecy agreement.