ABSTRACT
The most common instruments to secure investments in high tech
R&D are patents and trade secrets. Patents can be used to create
a temporary monopoly on a certain invention, while trade secrets
can be used to keep certain technologies or sensitive information
concealed. In addition, database rights can be used to protect certain
collections of research results from undue use. Other intellectual
property rights (IPRs) such as trademarks are only relevant once
the end-product nears its market entry. This chapter will give an
overview of the IPRs that are most relevant to the nanotechnology
sector and other high tech sectors. Due to their importance for
nanotechnology, patents and trade secrets will be discussed more
details than utility models, trademarks, design protection, and
copyrights.
