When a new technology is developed, you can apply for a patent or keep it as a technical secret.
The difference between the two:
1, technical secret
It is a practical technology that can bring economic benefits, and security measures must be taken (such as locking it in a cupboard to ensure that outsiders cannot obtain it).
Advantages: As long as the safety measures are proper, confidential and not limited by time, it can benefit for a long time;
Disadvantages: improper security measures become public technology and lose value after they are leaked. At this time, it can no longer be protected by applying for a patent.
2. Patent
It is also a practical technology that can bring progress, and it should be novel and creative.
Advantages: During the validity period of the patent right, you can use the patent right to restrict competitors, prevent them from using it or authorize them to use it to obtain benefits.
Disadvantages: the longest protection period is 20 years (invention), and the utility model and appearance are only 10 years. If the patent claim is poorly written, the technology may be disclosed but it cannot be effectively protected, which requires high quality patent writing.
How to choose:
Simply put, if it is a technology that can be quickly updated and learned by others through reverse engineering, it is recommended to protect it in the form of patent; Otherwise, it is suggested to protect it in the form of technical secrets.
The answer is quoted from:/s/blog _ ecd3d6580102xye.html.