HEADSTART: How to choose between a patent or trade secret

How do you stop rivals from exploiting your unique
knowledge? If your competitive advantage relies on know-how that only you possess - then a trade secret might offer better protection than a patent.
Unlike patents, which publicly disclose your invention, trade secrets keep your valuable information hidden from competitors. Learn how to decide whether to file a patent and reveal your know-how, or keep it secret to protect your
business advantage.

An episode in a weekly pilot series of bite-sized podcasts designed to give inventors, startups, entrepreneurs,
and micro-entities and other businesses the tools to protect their technology with intellectual property (IP). Tune in every Friday at 9.00 am (also on YouTube (youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgDlswd0__eJNXLI-BH…) & LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/european-patent-office)) to supercharge your innovation journey!

More information at:

New to patents (epo.org/en/new-to-patents)

Startup guide (epo.org/en/news-events/events/startup-guide)

The general information in these podcasts provides only a
broad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patent
attorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.