Trade secret
Confidential business information that has commercial value because it is not generally known and is protected through confidentiality, contract, and practical controls.
Definition
A trade secret dispute often turns on what information was confidential, who had access, what duties applied, how the information was protected, and whether it was used or disclosed without authority. The practical file should include NDAs, employment or contractor agreements, access logs, emails, policies, document labels, evidence of value, disclosure dates, and urgency for an interdict.
Key takeaways
Confidential business information that has commercial value because it is not generally known and is protected through confidentiality, contract, and practical controls.
Intellectual Property
Book Intellectual Property Lawyer
Related legal problems
This glossary provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Common situations
Trade secret misuse
Confidential information leak
Employee or contractor dispute
Related resources
Resources and guides
Intellectual Property Document Pack
Intellectual Property Document Pack: prepare Creation files, Dated drafts, Employment or contractor agreements and identify missing records before legal advice.
Intellectual PropertyChecklistIP Protection Checklist
IP Protection Checklist for preparing documents, facts, dates, and questions connected to intellectual property.
Intellectual PropertyChecklistSettlement Offer Review Checklist
Settlement Offer Review Checklist for preparing documents, facts, dates, and questions connected to labour law.
Labour LawFAQs
Trade secret FAQs
What does Trade secret mean?
Confidential business information that has commercial value because it is not generally known and is protected through confidentiality, contract, and practical controls.
Find legal help
Lawyers and firms
Need help with intellectual property?
Use this term as context, then compare relevant lawyers or law firms for your next step.