An important first step is to put in place a clear and focused I P strategy that serves the overall strategic objectives of the business. Patent applications should not be filed for every patentable invention. Such a strategy could send patenting costs spiraling out of control. Businesses should only obtain and maintain patent protection on inventions that will bring sufficient commercial or strategic benefits. Trade secrets and defensive publication offer alter natives to patenting that have a much lower cost than patenting. (See WIPO Magazine articles Trade Secrets Are Cold Nuggets: Protect Them; Issue 4/2002, and Launching a New Product: Freedom To Operate, Issue 5/2005).
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