“Before You Beta Test that New Dental Technology, Read the Fine Print”

Early access to new dental technology can come with significant implications for ownership of innovations, patient information, and a practice’s reputation. In a recent article published by DrBicuspid.com, Marshall Gerstein patent attorney Kwanwoo Lee explores what dentists should consider before participating in technology beta programs. 

While these programs offer opportunities to influence product development, the agreements governing them may give companies broad rights to participants’ ideas, clinical workflows, and other contributions.

“A dentist who believes they are simply suggesting a new clinical workflow may unknowingly be assigning rights to a potentially valuable innovation,” Kwan writes.

Kwan outlines key considerations involving intellectual property ownership, confidentiality restrictions, collection and use of practice and patient data, and permission to use a practice’s name or testimonials in marketing. He also explains why dentists who provide ongoing strategic input should consider whether their involvement warrants a consulting arrangement with clearly defined compensation and ownership terms.

Read Kwan’s full article on DrBicuspid.com.