Introduction This handbook is intended as a catalyst for thinking by the decision-makers in any innovative company. For many companies, identifying and protecting their creative technology can mean the difference between success and failure.
Innovation frequently defines a company's competitive edge.
To stay competitive, a company must keep current and understand the basics of protecting innovation under current intellectual property law. This handbook outlines the basics of intellectual property and explains strategies for protecting a company's innovation. There are precautions that can be adopted for no or minimal cost which can set the stage for effective protection when a company has matured sufficiently that it chooses to embark on a formal intellectual property protection program. The overview presented in this handbook is not intended to be a comprehensive treatment of intellectual property. Rather, it merely provides a framework around which a company can evaluate its creativity.