Ross Patent Law Office
Specializing in Patents,
Trademarks and Copyrights
Trade Secrets
A trade secret is information or a process that provides a commercial advantage that is
protected by keeping it a secret.  Examples of trade secrets include: a list of successful
distributors; a formula (such as for Coca Cola); or a recipe (such as the 11 Herbs and Spices
for Kentucky Fried Chicken).  Trade Secrets are not registered anywhere.  Rather, they are
protected by the fact that they are not disclosed.  The duration of protection lasts as long as
they are kept secret.  It is important that the proper steps are taken in order to protect the
trade secret.
Genius is one
percent inspiration
and ninety-nine
percent
perspiration... .

Thomas A. Edison