Intellectual Property

Should you patent your innovation or keep it under wraps? It’s a question that has shaped the strategies of industry giants like Apple, Coca-Cola, and Google. Patents offer strong legal protection — but require public disclosure and hefty costs. Trade secrets, on the other hand, are free to keep — but risky to lose. Choosing the right path isn’t just a legal decision — it’s a business strategy. From tech to pharmaceuticals, and from manufacturing to software, different industries lean on different IP tactics to gain a competitive edge. In this quick-read guide, I break down: Key differences between patents and trade secrets Industry-specific trends and best practices Global legal impacts (like GDPR and the Defend Trade Secrets Act) Strategic questions to help you decide what’s best for your business Sometimes the smartest move is a hybrid approach. 🧠 Want to dig deeper into how companies like Tesla and Pfizer handle this decision? 👉  Read the full guide here  — How to Decide...

Since its launch on June 1, 2023, the Unitary Patent System has aimed to simplify processes, reduce costs, and unify legal protection across participating EU countries. In its first year, over 27,500 Unitary Patents were registered, covering 80% of the EU's GDP. Germany and France led adoption, though the absence of key economies like Spain and Poland shows harmonization is still a work in progress.   The system's Unified Patent Court (UPC) has quickly become a central venue for patent litigation, handling over 500 cases in diverse tech sectors. Businesses appreciate the faster resolution times and streamline legal processes, though some SMEs remain cautious due to perceived cost risks. Meanwhile, traditional litigation has declined, raising questions about local court roles in the evolving ecosystem.   Cost savings are significant maintaining a Unitary Patent for 10 years costs less than €5,000 compared to nearly €29,000 under the old system. However, challenges persist, ...