Originally Published MX May/June 2005

GOVERNMENTAL & LEGAL AFFAIRS

Trade secrets are important weapons in the IP arsenals of medical device executives.

John F. Hornick

The formula for Coca-Cola may be the world's most famous trade secret. The company's success in keeping that secret is probably a large factor in its long-term, and current, market standing. Medical technology companies often have trade secrets, too—not so well-known as Coke, but equally essential to the companies' ongoing success.

Famous or not, trade secrets and confidential information are the lifeblood of many companies. In fact, nearly all medtech companies have them.