What is an informal Intellectual Property (IP)

Informal IP is often overlooked in favor of focusing on the formal registrable IP rights, i.e. patents, trademarks and designs; however, informal IP still can and should be protected.

Trade secrets, one of the informal IP rights currently gaining the most traction in the market, is a viable alternative to patent applications and merits a robust trade secrets policy to prevent trade secret leakage. Other informal rights, such as critical customer, supplier and partner relationships can enhance the value in your company’s brand and reputation, whereas organizational knowledge and business processes can make your company more valuable in the eyes of prospective investors and buyers and can help your business realize a greater valuation upon exit. 

Informal IP assets are: 

• Trade Secrets 
• Organizational Knowledge 
• Proprietary Software Code 
• Critical Partners, Suppliers and Customers 
• Research and Development 
• Brand and Reputation 
• Strategy and Market Intelligence 
• Know-How 

Don’t pass up the value and opportunities that informal intellectual properties can bring to your business. Contact Metis Partners today to learn how to not only protect yourself, but your employees and business as well.