Your Brand and Formulas Are Assets Worth Protecting
As hemp companies invest in distinctive products, protecting what makes them distinctive becomes a business priority. Building on the brand strategy content discussed elsewhere in this publication, trademarks and formulation secrets protect different things and require different steps.
Trademarks
A trademark protects names, logos, and slogans that identify your products. Registration can strengthen your rights, but hemp-related products can face added scrutiny, so work with counsel familiar with the category. Search for conflicts before investing in packaging and marketing, and monitor for lookalike brands.
Formulation Secrets
Many formulations are better protected as trade secrets than patents, since secrecy can last as long as it is maintained. Protection depends on taking reasonable steps to keep the information confidential.
Practical Safeguards
- Use written confidentiality agreements with co-packers, suppliers, and employees
- Limit who can see complete formulas and document access
- Define in contracts who owns formulas and who may use them, as discussed in the co-manufacturing content
- Prevent manufacturers from producing similar products for competitors
Plan for December 11
If the market consolidates or rules change, brand and formulation assets may carry more value. Keep records that show you created and own them.
Low Gravity Hemp respects customer confidentiality in formulation work. Contact us to talk through protecting your products.
