What is Intellectual Property (IP)?
Intellectual property (or also called IP) is a form of intangible property that comes from the creative endeavours of the mind. IP is an asset. Like any other company asset, it has worth and real value in the marketplace. IP includes ideas, computer programs, software programs, designs, research and development data, and inventions. So, how do you know what is confidential?
Consider the source of the information. Can you get that information in the public sphere or not? Any information that is published or is available through public sources is NOT confidential or proprietary information. Published or public Sources are those that are available to any outsider or researcher. If the information is only available from a non-publish source (within your company or through any employees, partners, or affiliates) it should be considered proprietary or confidential information. If ever in doubt, ask!
So, here are some guidelines for protecting confidential information. Do not discuss confidential information in public places. Remove confidential information from meeting rooms, copy machines, and your desk at night. Be cautious about displaying confidential information in public places. Be careful discussing confidential information on cordless/cell phones or the Internet. Be careful when providing information to consultants or outsourcers. And don’t receive confidential information that you are not supposed to have.
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