Several forms of IP protection can be applied to nanotechnology: 1. Patents: These provide exclusive rights to make, use, and sell an invention for a specified period. Patents are particularly relevant for novel nanomaterials and nanodevices. 2. Trade Secrets: Protects confidential information that gives a business a competitive edge. This is useful for proprietary processes or formulations. 3. Trademarks: Protects brand names, logos, and other identifiers that distinguish goods or services. This is less about the technology and more about the market identity. 4. Copyrights: Protects original works of authorship such as software used in nanotechnology research.
