Trade Secrets

A Product of Creativity in Bloom

Elexis Jones2011

A project of the

AIPLA

A trade secret is a formula, pattern, physical device, idea, process, or compilation of

information which is not generally known or reasonably ascertainable, by which a

business can obtain an economic advantage over competitors or customers.

a formula for a sports drink survey methods used by professional

pollsters recipes a new invention for which a patent

application has not yet been filed marketing strategies manufacturing techniques computer algorithms

Secrecy

Restrict access to the information (lock it away in a secure place, such as a bank vault)

Limit the number of people who know the information

Have the people who know the trade secret agree in writing not to disclose the information (sign non-disclosure agreements)

Have anyone that comes in contact with the trade secret, directly or indirectly, sign non-disclosure agreements

Mark any written material pertaining to the trade secret as proprietary

Unlimited duration -trade secrets could potentially last longer than patents (20 years) and copyrights

Your protection is theoretically worldwide No application required No registration costs No public disclosure or registration with

government agency Effective immediately

Formula for Coca-Cola

The Big Mac Special Sauce

KFC Chicken RecipeWD-40 Formula

Questions?