Summary and Learning Objectives   

Patents are an important form of IP for many business, especially those operating in the innovation economy. However, securing patent rights is a complex and expensive process. Critical and prior to filing a patent, business  need to ensure the security of their confidential information and/or trade secrets through best practices.

 

A sound IP strategy is essential for deciding whether to protect IP assets through patenting or kept as a trade secret.

 

It may be possible to protect a specific piece of IP using different types of IP rights. One example of this is protection through patenting or as a trade secret. Prior to patent filing an invention must be kept confidential and not disclosed to the public. However, there may be important considerations for not filing a patent and maintaining trade secret protection .

 

This section go into more detail regarding the patent filing process and the need to scetty , you'll learn further about the criteria and stages required for obtaining a granted patent. The material will also present why a patenting strategy is an important aspect of market strategy and cost effectiveness, factors critical for realizing maximum returns from your patent(s). Some of the content will cover:  

Assigned Topics 

Protection of IP using Trade Secrets 

Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)

Filing and Securing Patent Protection Filing Process and Management   

Prior art search 

 

Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)

Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)

European Patent Office (EPO)

Other Links (not required but helpful)

European Patent Office (EPO): case study