Trade Secrets 2026

JAPAN

Russia

China

N. Korea

Japan

S. Korea

Law and Practice Contributed by: Makoto Hattori, Rikita Karakawa, Wataru Takagishi and Taku Shibazaki Abe, Ikubo & Katayama

Tokyo

Contents 1. Legal Framework p.109 1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets p.109 1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret p.109 1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets p.109 1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection p.110 1.5 Reasonable Measures p.110 1.6 Disclosure to Employees p.110 1.7 Independent Discovery p.110 1.8 Computer Software, Artificial Intelligence and Technology p.111 1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets p.111 1.10 Licensing p.111 1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights p.111

6. Trial p.119 6.1 Bench or Jury Trial p.119 6.2 Trial Process p.119 6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses p.119 7. Remedies p.120 7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief p.120 7.2 Measures of Damages p.120 7.3 Permanent Injunction p.120 7.4 Attorney’s Fees p.120

7.5 Costs p.121 8. Appeal p.121 8.1 Appellate Procedure p.121 8.2 Factual or Legal Review p.121 9. Criminal Offences p.121 9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences p.121 10. ADR p.121 10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms p.121

1.12 Overlapping IP Rights p.111 1.13 Other Legal Theories p.112

1.14 Criminal Liability p.112 1.15 Extraterritoriality p.112 2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets p.112 2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation p.112 2.2 Employee Relationships p.113 2.3 Joint Ventures p.113 2.4 Industrial Espionage p.113

3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation p.114 3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets p.114 3.2 Exit Interviews p.114 4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation p.115 4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise p.115 4.2 New Employees p.115 5. Trade Secret Litigation p.115 5.1 Prerequisites for Filing a Lawsuit p.115

5.2 Limitations Period p.115 5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit p.116

5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts p.116 5.5 Initial Pleading Standards p.116 5.6 Seizure Mechanisms p.117

5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence p.117 5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating p.118 5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation p.118

5.10 Dispositive Motions p.118 5.11 Cost of Litigation p.119

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