|
|
|
How important is it to have potential investors and customers sign a non-disclosure agreement?
Extremely important. Hidden pitfalls of not doing so are the loss of trade secrets and the potential loss of the ability to obtain patent protection in the US and abroad. US patent law provides for a one-year window in which to file a patent application from the date of public disclosure. There are, however, limited exceptions for experimental use. Someone may disclose technology before the window. Any public disclosure will forfeit the right to obtain a patent for foreign protection.
|
|
