The objective of this paper is to demystify the process of the composition of patent documents to motivate the more effective use of the industrial property system for the Brazilian researchers. The work was based on bibliographical and documental research, making use of information from legislation, books and scientifi c publications. It was also on the experience of one of the authors regarding the analysis of patent processes. The paper presents the main characteristics of the method for elaborating a scientifi c article and a request of invention privilege, enumerating the components of each of these two documents. It establishes the similarities and specifi cities among the two forms of publication of scientifi c research.