# Trade secret

Concept · [Fundraising and equity](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/fundraising)

Also called: trade secrets, proprietary information, secret sauce, confidential information

Valuable business information, such as a formula, algorithm or process, that is protected by keeping it secret rather than by registering it. Protection lasts as long as it stays secret.

**For example:** A startup keeps its pricing algorithm a trade secret: only two [engineers](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/software-engineer) can see it and everyone signs an [NDA](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/nda).

## Connects to (5)

- [Intellectual property](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/intellectual-property): Things you create that can be owned, such as code, designs, brand names and inventions.
- [NDA](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/nda): Non-disclosure agreement.
- [Non-provisional patent](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/non-provisional-patent): The full US patent application that the patent office actually examines.
- [Moat](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/moat): An advantage that makes it hard for competitors to copy your business or take your customers, such as unique data, network effects or high…
- [Licensing](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/licensing): Letting another party use something you own, such as software, a patent or a brand, in exchange for fees or royalties, while you keep…

> This glossary is plain-language orientation, not legal or financial advice. Before you decide on a company structure, a contract, taxes or a fundraising deal, talk with a lawyer or an accountant.

Map view: https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/trade-secret