Patent or Trade Secret? Choosing the Right Protection for Your Innovation

Inherently Distinctive Podcast

Episode Summary:
Nevada-based intellectual property attorney Mark Goodman explains how to decide between patenting your innovation or keeping it a trade secret. He breaks down how each protection works, what they cover, and when one option makes more sense than the other. From Coca-Cola’s secret formula to Google’s algorithms, Mark shares real-world examples and legal insights that help innovators make smart IP decisions.

Key Timestamps

00:00: Mark Goodman discusses the key differences between patents and trade secrets.
02:30: How patents work, the filing process, and what rights they provide.
05:00: Examples of famous trade secrets and how companies maintain them.
08:30: Practical steps businesses should take — NDAs, confidentiality policies, and data security.
11:00: Why companies can lose trade secret rights if not properly protected.
13:30: How trade secret laws differ from patent laws when others create similar ideas.
15:00: Mark’s advice on how to make the right choice based on your type of innovation.
About the Show

Inherently Distinctive explores intellectual property and brand protection through the lens of real-world business challenges. Each episode features legal professionals who simplify complex IP topics for entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners.