united-kingdom patents confidentiality epo
Can a patent attorney steal your invention in initial consultation?
<p>I disclosed my invention with a patent attorney on my first free consultation to understand if it is patentable and get advice.  The patent attorney told me that I can disclose it because they are legally bound to confidentiality because of their job. However we didn't sign anything yet and we had a remote video consultation due to the coronavirus lockdown.  </p>

<p>I have registered the conversation, is that enough to protect my invention? Should I avoid disclosing my invention with patent attorneys on initial consultations next time?</p>

<h2>Your lawyer owes you a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiduciary" rel="nofollow noreferrer">fiduciary</a> duty</h2>

<blockquote>
  <p>A fiduciary duty[ is the highest standard of care in equity or law. A fiduciary is expected to be extremely loyal to the person to whom he owes the duty (the "principal") such that there must be no conflict of duty between fiduciary and principal, and the fiduciary must not profit from their position as a fiduciary (unless the principal consents).</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Legally, you can trust a fiduciary more than you can your own mother.</p>
