Trade Secrets 2025

UK

The United Kingdom London

Ireland

Law and Practice Contributed by: Nicola Dagg, Steven Baldwin, Rory Clarke and Ashley Grant Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

Germany

Belgium

France

Contents 1. Legal Framework p.229 1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets p.229 1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret p.229 1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets p.230 1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection p.231

1.5 Reasonable Measures p.231 1.6 Disclosure to Employees p.232 1.7 Independent Discovery p.233

1.8 Computer Software and Technology p.233 1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets p.233 1.10 Licensing p.233 1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights p.233

1.12 Overlapping IP Rights p.234 1.13 Other Legal Theories p.234

1.14 Criminal Liability p.234 1.15 Extraterritoriality p.234 2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets p.235 2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation p.235 2.2 Employee Relationships p.235 2.3 Joint Ventures p.235 2.4 Industrial Espionage p.236

3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation p.236 3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets p.236 3.2 Exit Interviews p.236 4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation p.237 4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise p.237 4.2 New Employees p.237

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