How do you stop rivals from exploiting your unique knowledge? If your competitive advantage relies on know-how that only you possess - then a trade secret might offer better protection than a patent. Unlike patents, which publicly disclose your invention, trade secrets keep your valuable information hidden from competitors. Learn how to decide whether to file a patent and reveal your know-how, or keep it secret to protect your business advantage.
An episode in a weekly pilot series of bite-sized podcasts designed to give inventors, startups, entrepreneurs, and micro-entities and other businesses the tools to protect their technology with intellectual property (IP). Tune in every Friday at 9.00 am (also on YouTube & LinkedIn) to supercharge your innovation journey!

More information at:

New to patents

Startup guide

The general information in these podcasts provides only a broad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patent attorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.

Leading Tech Voices: digital technologies

As more technologies begin to converge and connect - heavily impacting fields such as healthcare and telecommunication – our experts see an increased need for greater awareness among inventors about the role of intellectual property in leveraging the potential of these inventions.

Additionally, how can patent law adapt to previously unforeseeable innovations?

Discover the exciting possibilities that lie ahead with advancements in AI and quantum computing and explore how IP is shaping their progress.

Moderator:

Jessica Kuchenbecker, EPO examiner and team manager

Speakers:

Axel Ferrazzini, Managing director of 4IP Council

Noam Shemtov, Professor of Intellectual Property and Technology Law at Queen Mary University

This episode is part of a special podcast series where each episode focuses on one of five major technology areas. It builds on the EPO’s 50 Leading Tech Voices project, in which global tech leaders were invited to share how they believe inventiveness can help create a brighter and more sustainable future.

You can read their statements and watch discussion panels on our website:

Statements

Panel discussions

EPO’s Deep Tech Finder

EPO’s Patent Index

How can you best avoid a common blunder made by many inventors? Prematurely disclosing your invention to investors, customers or suppliers could be a costly mistake! Find out why keeping your invention a secret - using non-disclosure agreements if necessary – is key until you file your patent application to optimise your chances for success.

An episode in a weekly pilot series of bite-sized podcasts designed to give inventors, startups, entrepreneurs, and micro-entities and other businesses the tools to protect their technology with intellectual property (IP). Tune in every Friday at 9.00 am (also on YouTube & LinkedIn) to supercharge your innovation journey!

More information at:

New to patents

Startup guide