Letters: November 2018

Fountain pen nib, writing

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Your letters on patents and hydrogen liberation

Following Stuart Goldie’s summary of his experience of publishing scientific research (Chemistry World, October 2018, p5), I believe it is worth exploring the merits of an entirely different approach to publishing research: patents. These reach around the world and can be found with an internet search if the title is cogent and short.

Of course, the publishing format of patents is known and patent applicants would have to learn it, as well as to identify an inventive step or feature in their work. But, of course, each scientific publisher has his own particular requirements anyway, and these have to be learned too.