Keeping a Lab Book

A well kept laboratory notebook (lab book) is the best way to demonstrate that you were the first to invent something. Keeping a lab book is vital if you want to patent your idea in the USA, which operates on a “first to invent” process rather than the “first to file a patent application” process that operates in Australia.

A written lab book is preferable to one kept electronically, as records are more easily altered or manipulated in electronic form. Any electronic records should be printed and stuck into a paper-based book.

IP Australia suggest that a good lab book should comprise the following:

• No loose pages of paper—pages should be bound or stuck into the book;
• Pages must be numbered consecutively;
• Entries should use black ink. No blanks spaces should be left in the text. Spaces should be ruled through to avoid misinterpretation;
• Any errors should remain legible and crossed out, instead of erased, liquid papered or blacked out. A single line through, keeping the previous wording legible is best. This avoids any suspicion of concealment;
• Any changes or additions must be signed and dated;
• Pre-experimental work, including details of any ideas generated through thinking/discussion sessions with colleagues should be included;
• Entries should be in chronological order without blank pages. Never tear out pages. To start on a new pages, a line should be drawn through any unused section of the previous page;
• Later results should be recoded in chronological order and cross reference earlier entries;
• Any additional information, e.g. diagrams, photographs etc, should be printed out and glued into the lab book. These should be signed and dated;
• All non-standard terms, abbreviations and acronyms should be defined;
• References to equipment should refer to manufacturer, model and serial number where possible;
• Sketches of equipment should be used to show any procedures or variations;
• There should be no opinions included on your ability to protect (e.g. patent) the research;
• The conclusion of each work period or experiment should by signed and dated by you and signed by a witness. The witness should be knowledgeable in the area of research but should not be part of the project team; and
• Copies should be made and kept secure at several locations. No unauthorized persons should have access to the lab book and it must be kept confidential.

Last reviewed: 26 March, 2007