Vinous Ltd is a winemaker. Mick, an employee of Vinous, has recently invented a new system of filtration.

Vinous Ltd is a winemaker. Mick, an employee of Vinous, has recently invented a new system of filtration. The system uses previously known chemical substances which have never been used in combination as a filtering agent. The new system will be a significant cost saver for Vinous. The system has just been put into operation. So far Vinous has managed to keep the system secret by restricting access to all but its senior technical and operating managers. However, Mick has just been hired by Grapevine Ltd, another winemaker, to head up its technical department. Vinous wishes to know if it can take out a patent to protect the new system. Advise Vinous.