Trade secret protection differs significantly from patent protection.
Patent protection is available only for certain types of unique inventions, processes and designs.
Trade secret protection is available for all types of ideas and information, so long as they are secret and provide a competitive advantage. In addition, patent protection only lasts for a set period of time, which in the U.S. is generally 20 years after the date of filing an application, while trade secret protection may last indefinitely. Patent holders may exclude anyone, even someone who independently develops the same idea from practicing the invention or using the design disclosed in their patent. The owner of a trade secret has no protection against persons who independently develop the same idea or invention. Identify your company's valuable trade secrets.