Careless Talk Costs Rights

Rob Lucas specialises in Information Technology and Intellectual Property law. Rob's latest article looks at ensuring your secrets are kept safe.

There are a number of situations in which information is to be kept secret. The information could concern the more obvious examples of a new idea or invention, know-how, financial data or even that one party is in discussions with another. There are cases where patents and registered designs have been invalidated due to the invention or design being disclosed prior to the filing of the application, and the value of a business or asset can be drastically reduced (not to mention the effect on employees), if it becomes known that the owner is negotiating for its sale. Keeping a matter secret can preserve its value and exclusivity long after any patent would have expired; a prime example being recipes for well-known foods and drinks.

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For more information please contact Rob Lucas on 01274 848800 or email at rlucas@lcf.co.uk