IP is very essential in materials science. Every University or institution has a separate department for IP advice and protection plans. Immediately after one realizes the invention, it must be discussed with the supervisor/center director/IP Department, who will guide the researcher properly. Just share the findings ASAP with relevant colleagues at the employment place.

Before Collaboration: Define IP ownership; Sign Non-Disclosure Agreements; Sign Contracts. During Collaboration: Document contributions; Track changes; Clear communication. After Collaboration: Register IP; Sign Licensing agreements; Monitor usage. Best Practices: Conduct IP audits; Establish an IP policy; Educate collaborators on IP importance; Use IP protection tools; Monitor for infringement. Seek Professional Advice with an IP attorney to: Draft contracts and agreements; Conduct IP audits Register IP; Develop an IP strategy. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively protect your intellectual property in collaborative work.

I think it's very simple, before collaboration all parties should sign a non disclosure agreement (NDA) followed by a research agreement. Where every detail of work and legal boundaries are well defined and elaborated. Also, we should be collaborating with people who have good ethics and values.

"Protect IP in material science collaborations: NDAs, patent filings, MTAs, collaboration agreements, secure data management, lab notebooks, IP training, defensive publishing, IP landscaping & expert collaboration. Safeguard sensitive info, promote innovation & trust. Implement robust measures to prevent unauthorized use, misappropriation & infringement. Foster a culture of IP awareness & compliance. Collaborate with IP experts to ensure effective protection & commercialization strategies. Conduct regular IP audits & monitoring to detect potential risks & opportunities."