Trade Secrets 2025

Definitive global law guides offering comparative analysis from top-ranked lawyers


INTRODUCTION
5

Contributed by Simon Bushell, Gareth Keillor and Maitreyee Dixit, Seladore Legal
5

AUSTRALIA
10

Law and Practice
10

Contributed by Gilbert + Tobin
10

Trends and Developments
32

Contributed by Gilbert + Tobin
32

CHINA
40

Law and Practice
40

Contributed by CCPIT Patent and Trademark Law Office
40

Trends and Developments
59

Contributed by AllBright Law Offices
59

CHINA – BEIJING
65

Trends and Developments
65

Contributed by Jingtian & Gongcheng
65

GERMANY
74

Law and Practice
74

Contributed by SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz
74

Trends and Developments
96

Contributed by SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz
96

INDIA
105

Law and Practice
105

Contributed by Anand and Anand
105

ITALY
130

Law and Practice
130

Contributed by EY Tax & Law
130

Trends and Developments
153

Contributed by EY Tax & Law
153

JAPAN
157

Law and Practice
157

Contributed by Anderson Mori & Tomotsune
157

Trends and Developments
173

Contributed by TMI Associates
173

MEXICO
181

Law and Practice
181

Contributed by BC&B Law & Business
181

Trends and Developments
199

Contributed by BC&B Law & Business
199

SOUTH KOREA
205

Law and Practice
205

Contributed by Yoon & Yang LLC
205

UK
226

Law and Practice
226

Contributed by Kirkland & Ellis International LLP
226

USA
248

Law and Practice
248

Contributed by Kirkland & Ellis LLP
248

USA
272

Trends and Developments
272

Contributed by Seyfarth Shaw LLP
272

1. Legal Framework
14

1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets
14

1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret
15

1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets
15

1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection
15

1.5 Reasonable Measures
15

1.6 Disclosure to Employees
15

1.7 Independent Discovery
16

1.8 Computer Software and Technology
16

1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets
16

1.10 Licensing
16

1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights
16

1.12 Overlapping IP Rights
17

1.13 Other Legal Theories
17

1.14 Criminal Liability
17

1.15 Extraterritoriality
17

2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
18

2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation
18

2.2 Employee Relationships
18

2.3 Joint Ventures
18

2.4 Industrial Espionage
18

3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation
19

3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets
19

3.2 Exit Interviews
19

4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation
19

4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise
19

4.2 New Employees
20

5. Trade Secret Litigation
20

5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit
20

5.2 Limitations Period
20

5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit
20

5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts
20

5.5 Initial Pleading Standards
21

5.6 Seizure Mechanisms
21

5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence
21

5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating
22

5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation
22

5.10 Dispositive Motions
23

5.11 Cost of Litigation
23

6. Trial
23

6.1 Bench or Jury Trial
23

6.2 Trial Process
23

6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses
24

7. Remedies
24

7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief
24

7.2 Measures of Damages
25

7.3 Permanent Injunction
26

7.4 Attorneys’ Fees
26

7.5 Costs
27

8. Appeal
27

8.1 Appellate Procedure
27

8.2 Factual or Legal Review
28

9. Criminal Offences
29

9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences
29

10. Alternative Dispute Resolution
30

10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
30

1. Legal Framework
44

1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets
44

1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret
44

1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets
44

1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection
45

1.5 Reasonable Measures
45

1.6 Disclosure to Employees
45

1.7 Independent Discovery
46

1.8 Computer Software and Technology
46

1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets
46

1.10 Licensing
46

1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights
46

1.12 Overlapping IP Rights
47

1.13 Other Legal Theories
47

1.14 Criminal Liability
48

1.15 Extraterritoriality
48

2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
49

2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation
49

2.2 Employee Relationships
49

2.3 Joint Ventures
49

2.4 Industrial Espionage
49

3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation
49

3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets
49

3.2 Exit Interviews
50

4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation
50

4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise
50

4.2 New Employees
51

5. Trade Secret Litigation
51

5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit
51

5.2 Limitations Period
51

5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit
51

5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts
52

5.5 Initial Pleading Standards
52

5.6 Seizure Mechanisms
52

5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence
53

5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating
53

5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation
53

5.10 Dispositive Motions
54

5.11 Cost of Litigation
54

6. Trial
54

6.1 Bench or Jury Trial
54

6.2 Trial Process
54

6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses
55

7. Remedies
55

7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief
55

7.2 Measures of Damages
56

7.3 Permanent Injunction
56

7.4 Attorneys’ Fees
56

7.5 Costs
56

8. Appeal
57

8.1 Appellate Procedure
57

8.2 Factual or Legal Review
57

9. Criminal Offences
57

9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences
57

10. Alternative Dispute Resolution
57

10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
57

1. Legal Framework
78

1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets
78

1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret
78

1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets
78

1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection
79

1.5 Reasonable Measures
79

1.6 Disclosure to Employees
80

1.7 Independent Discovery
80

1.8 Computer Software and Technology
80

1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets
81

1.10 Licensing
81

1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights
81

1.12 Overlapping IP Rights
82

1.13 Other Legal Theories
82

1.14 Criminal Liability
82

1.15 Extraterritoriality
83

2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
84

2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation
84

2.2 Employee Relationships
85

2.3 Joint Ventures
85

2.4 Industrial Espionage
86

3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation
86

3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets
86

3.2 Exit Interviews
87

4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation
87

4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise
87

4.2 New Employees
87

5. Trade Secret Litigation
88

5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit
88

5.2 Limitations Period
88

5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit
88

5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts
88

5.5 Initial Pleading Standards
88

5.6 Seizure Mechanisms
89

5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence
89

5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating
89

5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation
90

5.10 Dispositive Motions
90

5.11 Cost of Litigation
91

6. Trial
91

6.1 Bench or Jury Trial
91

6.2 Trial Process
91

6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses
91

7. Remedies
92

7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief
92

7.2 Measures of Damages
92

7.3 Permanent Injunction
92

7.4 Attorneys’ Fees
92

7.5 Costs
93

8. Appeal
93

8.1 Appellate Procedure
93

8.2 Factual or Legal Review
93

9. Criminal Offences
94

9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences
94

10. Alternative Dispute Resolution
94

10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
94

1. Legal Framework
109

1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets
109

1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret
110

1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets
112

1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection
112

1.5 Reasonable Measures
113

1.6 Disclosure to Employees
113

1.7 Independent Discovery
114

1.8 Computer Software and Technology
114

1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets
114

1.10 Licensing
115

1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights
115

1.12 Overlapping IP Rights
116

1.13 Other Legal Theories
116

1.14 Criminal Liability
117

1.15 Extraterritoriality
117

2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
117

2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation
117

2.2 Employee Relationships
118

2.3 Joint Ventures
118

2.4 Industrial Espionage
118

3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation
119

3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets
119

3.2 Exit Interviews
119

4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation
120

4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise
120

4.2 New Employees
120

5. Trade Secret Litigation
120

5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit
120

5.2 Limitations Period
121

5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit
121

5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts
121

5.5 Initial Pleading Standards
122

5.6 Seizure Mechanisms
122

5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence
123

5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating
123

5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation
123

5.10 Dispositive Motions
123

5.11 Cost of Litigation
124

6. Trial
125

6.1 Bench or Jury Trial
125

6.2 Trial Process
125

6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses
125

7. Remedies
125

7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief
125

7.2 Measures of Damages
126

7.3 Permanent Injunction
126

7.4 Attorneys’ Fees
127

7.5 Costs
127

8. Appeal
127

8.1 Appellate Procedure
127

8.2 Factual or Legal Review
128

9. Criminal Offences
128

9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences
128

10. Alternative Dispute Resolution
129

10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
129

1. Legal Framework
134

1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets
134

1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret
135

1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets
135

1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection
135

1.5 Reasonable Measures
136

1.6 Disclosure to Employees
136

1.7 Independent Discovery
136

1.8 Computer Software and Technology
137

1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets
137

1.10 Licensing
138

1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights
138

1.12 Overlapping IP Rights
139

1.13 Other Legal Theories
139

1.14 Criminal Liability
140

1.15 Extraterritoriality
140

2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
141

2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation
141

2.2 Employee Relationships
141

2.3 Joint Ventures
142

2.4 Industrial Espionage
142

3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation
142

3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets
142

3.2 Exit Interviews
143

4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation
144

4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise
144

4.2 New Employees
144

5. Trade Secret Litigation
144

5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit
144

5.2 Limitations Period
145

5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit
145

5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts
145

5.5 Initial Pleading Standards
145

5.6 Seizure Mechanisms
146

5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence
146

5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating
147

5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation
147

5.10 Dispositive Motions
148

5.11 Cost of Litigation
148

6. Trial
148

6.1 Bench or Jury Trial
148

6.2 Trial Process
148

6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses
149

7. Remedies
149

7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief
149

7.2 Measures of Damages
149

7.3 Permanent Injunction
150

7.4 Attorneys’ Fees
150

7.5 Costs
150

8. Appeal
150

8.1 Appellate Procedure
150

8.2 Factual or Legal Review
151

9. Criminal Offences
151

9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences
151

10. Alternative Dispute Resolution
152

10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
152

1. Legal Framework
160

1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets
160

1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret
160

1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets
160

1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection
161

1.5 Reasonable Measures
161

1.6 Disclosure to Employees
161

1.7 Independent Discovery
162

1.8 Computer Software and Technology
162

1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets
162

1.10 Licensing
162

1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights
162

1.12 Overlapping IP Rights
162

1.13 Other Legal Theories
163

1.14 Criminal Liability
163

1.15 Extraterritoriality
163

2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
163

2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation
163

2.2 Employee Relationships
164

2.3 Joint Ventures
164

2.4 Industrial Espionage
164

3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation
165

3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets
165

3.2 Exit Interviews
165

4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation
165

4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise
165

4.2 New Employees
166

5. Trade Secret Litigation
166

5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit
166

5.2 Limitations Period
166

5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit
167

5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts
167

5.5 Initial Pleading Standards
167

5.6 Seizure Mechanisms
167

5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence
167

5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating
168

5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation
169

5.10 Dispositive Motions
169

5.11 Cost of Litigation
169

6. Trial
169

6.1 Bench or Jury Trial
169

6.2 Trial Process
169

6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses
170

7. Remedies
170

7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief
170

7.2 Measures of Damages
170

7.3 Permanent Injunction
171

7.4 Attorneys’ Fees
171

7.5 Costs
171

8. Appeal
171

8.1 Appellate Procedure
171

8.2 Factual or Legal Review
171

9. Criminal Offences
172

9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences
172

10. Alternative Dispute Resolution
172

10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
172

1. Legal Framework
185

1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets
185

1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret
185

1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets
185

1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection
185

1.5 Reasonable Measures
185

1.6 Disclosure to Employees
186

1.7 Independent Discovery
186

1.8 Computer Software and Technology
187

1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets
187

1.10 Licensing
187

1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights
187

1.12 Overlapping IP Rights
188

1.13 Other Legal Theories
188

1.14 Criminal Liability
188

1.15 Extraterritoriality
189

2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
189

2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation
189

2.2 Employee Relationships
190

2.3 Joint Ventures
190

2.4 Industrial Espionage
190

3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation
190

3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets
190

3.2 Exit Interviews
190

4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation
191

4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise
191

4.2 New Employees
191

5. Trade Secret Litigation
191

5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit
191

5.2 Limitations Period
192

5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit
192

5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts
192

5.5 Initial Pleading Standards
192

5.6 Seizure Mechanisms
193

5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence
193

5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating
193

5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation
193

5.10 Dispositive Motions
193

5.11 Cost of Litigation
193

6. Trial
194

6.1 Bench or Jury Trial
194

6.2 Trial Process
194

6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses
194

7. Remedies
194

7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief
194

7.2 Measures of Damages
195

7.3 Permanent Injunction
195

7.4 Attorneys’ Fees
196

7.5 Costs
196

8. Appeal
196

8.1 Appellate Procedure
196

8.2 Factual or Legal Review
196

9. Criminal Offences
196

9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences
196

10. Alternative Dispute Resolution
198

10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
198

1. Legal Framework
209

1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets
209

1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret
209

1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets
209

1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection
209

1.5 Reasonable Measures
210

1.6 Disclosure to Employees
210

1.7 Independent Discovery
210

1.8 Computer Software and Technology
210

1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets
211

1.10 Licensing
211

1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights
211

1.12 Overlapping IP Rights
212

1.13 Other Legal Theories
212

1.14 Criminal Liability
212

1.15 Extraterritoriality
213

2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
213

2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation
213

2.2 Employee Relationships
214

2.3 Joint Ventures
214

2.4 Industrial Espionage
214

3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation
215

3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets
215

3.2 Exit Interviews
215

4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation
216

4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise
216

4.2 New Employees
216

5. Trade Secret Litigation
217

5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit
217

5.2 Limitations Period
217

5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit
217

5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts
217

5.5 Initial Pleading Standards
217

5.6 Seizure Mechanisms
217

5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence
218

5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating
218

5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation
219

5.10 Dispositive Motions
219

5.11 Cost of Litigation
220

6. Trial
220

6.1 Bench or Jury Trial
220

6.2 Trial Process
220

6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses
221

7. Remedies
221

7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief
221

7.2 Measures of Damages
222

7.3 Permanent Injunction
223

7.4 Attorneys’ Fees
223

7.5 Costs
223

8. Appeal
224

8.1 Appellate Procedure
224

8.2 Factual or Legal Review
224

9. Criminal Offences
224

9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences
224

10. Alternative Dispute Resolution
225

10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
225

1. Legal Framework
230

1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets
230

1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret
230

1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets
231

1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection
232

1.5 Reasonable Measures
232

1.6 Disclosure to Employees
233

1.7 Independent Discovery
234

1.8 Computer Software and Technology
234

1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets
234

1.10 Licensing
234

1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights
234

1.12 Overlapping IP Rights
235

1.13 Other Legal Theories
235

1.14 Criminal Liability
235

1.15 Extraterritoriality
235

2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
236

2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation
236

2.2 Employee Relationships
236

2.3 Joint Ventures
236

2.4 Industrial Espionage
237

3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation
237

3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets
237

3.2 Exit Interviews
237

4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation
238

4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise
238

4.2 New Employees
238

5. Trade Secret Litigation
238

5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit
238

5.2 Limitations Period
239

5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit
239

5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts
239

5.5 Initial Pleading Standards
239

5.6 Seizure Mechanisms
240

5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence
240

5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating
241

5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation
241

5.10 Dispositive Motions
241

5.11 Cost of Litigation
241

6. Trial
242

6.1 Bench or Jury Trial
242

6.2 Trial Process
242

6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses
242

7. Remedies
242

7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief
242

7.2 Measures of Damages
243

7.3 Permanent Injunction
244

7.4 Attorneys’ Fees
245

7.5 Costs
245

8. Appeal
246

8.1 Appellate Procedure
246

8.2 Factual or Legal Review
246

9. Criminal Offences
246

9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences
246

10. Alternative Dispute Resolution
247

10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
247

1. Legal Framework
252

1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets
252

1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret
252

1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets
252

1.4 Elements of Trade Secrt Protection
253

1.5 Reasonable Measures
254

1.6 Disclosure to Employees
254

1.7 Independent Discovery
255

1.8 Computer Software and Technology
255

1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets
255

1.10 Licensing
256

1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights
256

1.12 Overlapping IP Rights
256

1.13 Other Legal Theories
257

1.14 Criminal Liability
257

1.15 Extraterritoriality
257

2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
258

2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation
258

2.2 Employee Relationships
258

2.3 Joint Ventures
258

2.4 Industrial Espionage
259

3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation
259

3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets
259

3.2 Exit Interviews
259

4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation
260

4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise
260

4.2 New Employees
260

5. Trade Secret Litigation
260

5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit
260

5.2 Limitations Period
261

5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit
261

5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts
262

5.5 Initial Pleading Standards
262

5.6 Seizure Mechanisms
263

5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence
264

5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating
264

5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation
264

5.10 Dispositive Motions
265

5.11 Cost of Litigation
265

6. Trial
266

6.1 Bench or Jury Trial
266

6.2 Trial Process
266

6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses
266

7. Remedies
267

7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief
267

7.2 Measures of Damages
267

7.3 Permanent Injunction
268

7.4 Attorneys’ Fees
269

7.5 Costs
269

8. Appeal
269

8.1 Appellate Procedure
269

8.2 Factual or Legal Review
270

9. Criminal Offences
270

9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences
270

10. Alternative Dispute Resolution
271

10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
271

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