Sally, an engineering student, has been trying to invent a cheap solar panel. Finally, she develops a panel that she thinks can be sold for 50% less than existing panels. The panel uses cheap components and Sally is surprised at just how easy it was to make. Sally knows that she can make a lot of money from the panels; however, she has decided not to apply for a patent as she does not have the money to pay a patent attorney to draft the patent application. Sally arranges to meet Ralf who owns Make It Ltd as she wants Make It Ltd to manufacture the panels.

By reference to case law, discuss what protection is available to Sally to protect herself from Ralf stealing her ideas and manufacturing the panels himself without her receiving any money from their sale.