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Trade Secrets

A body of law that protects confidential business information from being disclosed or used by competitors, even without a patent.

Intellectual Property

A legal term encompassing patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, implying ownership over ideas and concepts rather than physical property.

Patent

A legal right granted for an invention, allowing the patent holder to exclude others from making, using, or selling the invention for a certain period.

Copyright

A form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship, including literature, music, and art.

Trademark

A recognizable sign, design, or expression that distinguishes products or services of a particular source from others.

Deregulation

The process of reducing or eliminating government rules controlling how businesses operate, often to encourage competition and innovation.

Monopolies

Market structures where a single firm dominates the market, often leading to reduced competition and higher prices for consumers.

Predatory Pricing

A strategy where a firm sets prices extremely low to drive competitors out of the market, which is illegal under U.S. antitrust law but hard to prove.

Antitrust Law

Legislation designed to promote competition and prevent monopolistic practices in the marketplace.

Barriers to Entry

Obstacles that make it difficult for new competitors to enter a market, which can include high startup costs, regulatory requirements, and established brand loyalty.