Last Published: 7/7/2016

Generally, a trade secret can include a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique or process that is used in one's business, and has independent economic value that provides an advantage over competitors, and has been subject to reasonable measures to maintain its secrecy. Under most circumstances, a trade secret is lost once it is independently discovered.

For more information on trade secrets, visit the following resources:

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - Trade Secrets Articles, Case Studies, Documents and FAQs for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

U.S. Government - Administration Strategy on Mitigating the Theft of Trade Secrets

Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) - Approaches to Protection of Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets)