The Google search algorithm and the Coca-Cola recipe. What do they have in common? They are both trade secrets.

Trade secrets can be used by companies of all sizes and types from restaurants or dental clinics to hairdressers. Anyone who may have a competitive advantage through a recipe, a specific process or treatment or a new product that they do not wish to disclose to their competition can use a trade secret.

This guide will help you decide whether a trade secret is appropriate for your business strategy and whether other intellectual property rights such as patents and trade marks may also come into play.

Who is this Guide for: All businesses in the EU with a potential competitive advantage opportunity they want to keep secret from their competitors.

Time to complete this Guide: 5 minutes

Disclaimer: once you have answered all the questions in this form, you will receive a report. Please note that the content of this report provides general information and should not be considered as legal or professional advice. The EUIPO does not guarantee the completeness or adequacy of the report for your particular situation and accepts no liability for its content. Please consider contacting a legal professional if you need legal advice.