Technical secrets, originally called "proprietary technology", refer to technical information, technical data, technical know-how, product design method, technological process and formula, quality control and technical management that have not been disclosed by the owner. Its primary feature is value, which is the life of technical secrets and brings commercial value to the obligee; The second feature is confidentiality, that is, this technology cannot be directly obtained from open channels and is not known to technicians in related fields; The third feature is that power owners have taken security measures, that is, they have taken corresponding security measures to prevent external invasion and internal leakage. For example, internal confidentiality rules and regulations have been formulated, confidentiality contracts have been signed with relevant parties, and strict management systems have been established for key departments and places involving technical secrets.
Inventions and creations are generally patented technologies with openness, exclusiveness, timeliness, regionality and novelty. Compared with invention, technical secrets are not necessarily the latest technology.
Technologies that are not patented but of commercial value to some subjects can be protected by technical secrets.