Virtually all life sciences companies use routine protocols which they believe will protect their intellectual property and other confidential or “trade secret” information. Among these routine proactive protocols are having a standard confidentiality/nondisclosure agreement (sometimes referred to below as “NDA”), limiting access to confidential and trade secret information, periodic internal audits of safeguarding methods, and more. But are “trade secrets” the same as “confidential information?” Continue reading ““Confidential” vs. “Trade Secret” – A Non-Binary Dilemma”
COMMINGLED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY–LIKE PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY?
By Jennifer A. Kearns, John M. Neclerio and Vicki G. Norton
Who doesn’t like the favorite sandwich of childhood – peanut butter and jelly? The two substances blend and meld together, creating a delectable gooey, messy, sticky and sweet treat.
In the life sciences, commingled intellectual property can also create “gooey,” messy and sticky problems for companies. Unfortunately, there’s nothing sweet about commingled IP and the complications that can arise from it, and you can be sure that an experience arising from claims of commingled IP will leave a sour taste in your mouth. Here we discuss proactive or preventative steps that companies can take to reduce the risk of commingling IP.
Continue reading “COMMINGLED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY–LIKE PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY?”