Trade-secrets

A trade-secret is a pattern, formula or other information used exclusively by one company to create or deliver goods and services. The defining qualities of a trade-secret are that it is not generally known in the trade or easily ascertainable, it is of commercial value, and it is kept secret by way of specific steps taken by the owner. The cost is lower in terms of protection, but its value is great because should information of your pattern or formula reach the public domain, patent protection may be worthless.