Successful entrepreneurs understand that business is more than a simple assessment of supply and demand. They know that by crafting a company that serves the needs of the public uniquely, a business may not only succeed but thrive.
Intellectual property – from trademarks utilized in branding efforts to patents designed to safeguard unique inventions – is the lifeblood of a company’s ability to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace. The form of intellectual property most closely associated with a company’s ability to remain a unique presence within a particular industry is known as “trade secrets.”
Trade secrets have value within a broader intellectual property protection strategy because they are – inherently – not known to a company’s competitors. Unlike copyrights, patents and trademarks, trade secrets aren’t safeguarded via government processes. Instead, savvy intellectual property attorneys work with companies to craft effective non-disclosure clauses and agreements to keep trade secrets… well… secret.
Taking steps to protect your company’s trade secrets
Trade secrets are ultimately what can allow many successful businesses to maintain a competitive edge within their respective industries. If your company’s trade secrets are of genuine value to its operations, the time to safeguard them properly was yesterday. Do not wait any longer to ensure that what you’ve worked so hard to build remains viable and retains the ability to evolve and grow successfully.
By seeking professional legal guidance and researching your legal options, you’ll better ensure that neither your employees nor fellow members of your leadership team, vendors nor contractors can compromise what you’re working so hard to build.