Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
I'm not entirely certain that's true. Anyone know for sure?
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Yes I am, a time ago I was reading quite somewhat on that subjects, and coca cola is more than once brought as case in point of a trade secret. With the explanations that trade secrets do have the advantage to potentially go forever, but the disadvantage once it slips its over.
Yes in case of someone making industry spionage they might sue for a compensation, but once its out of the box its out of the box. Otherwise also coke would not make such drastic meassurements to keep it secret. If they had any law ensuring them only they may use that formula, they just could print it on their walls.
This openess was after all the original idea behind copyright/patents, as before this legal inventions (copyright/patents, and yes they *are* "legal inventions" and not naturalistic things "given by nature" like some people want to showcase them) existed most people were very secretive about anything...