Secret know-how
Know-how in general terms refers to any unique knowledge and/or skills associated with a particular process or product that has commercial value and gives a business an advantage over its competitors. It may be more appropriate on occasions to protect technological IP by keeping it secret and only disclosing under confidentiality agreements. This, for example might arise where the technology is deemed non-patentable but is valuable 'know-how' or where it is considered that policing of a patent would not be practical.
Protecting secret 'know-how' is dependant on formal non-disclosure agreements between all relevant parties involved. In research projects this may delay publication for up to one year or greater if agreed with the academic(s) involved. Secret know-how can be licensed by attaching a detailed description of the secret know-how to a licence contract.
Other ways to protect your IP include;
