Know-how
Intellectual Property Rights

Know-how is the application of knowledge possessed in engineering, technology, bio-medicines or manufacturing in industry with a view to commercial advantage.

Know-how is usually comprised of techniques that are not generally protected or protectable by statutory forms of intellectual property (law of designs, copyright, law of patents or trade marks), and so the technology transfer and protection of the know-how is enshrined in contractual rights, the law of confidential information and trade secrets. Know-how is often licensed to other parties for exploitation by them, and cross licences may be granted between the parties which are intended to grant immunity from law suits for joint exploitation.

Provided the confidentiality in know-how is maintained, it is protected as confidential information or a trade secret under UK law.