Version 1.0, August 31, 2001, Copyright, Hugh Jack 1993-2001
· A similar device to patents except there is no public disclosure, and it may include information, or other non-patentable things. Generally a trade secret permits a business advantage over the competition ("industrial know-how")
· If somebody is given a trade secret (and it is made clear that it is both valuable and confidential), then they expose the trade secret, they can be sued for damages.
· The legal factors to determine secrecy are,
· Employers can restrain or sue former employees with regard to trade secrets. Although courts will be reluctant to prevent a former employee from earning a living.
· Corporations may also be liable for trade secrets if they are entrusted with them, and then disclose them.