Trade Secrets: Managing Confidential Business Information

Oftentimes significant research or business information might not fall within the scope of protection provided by traditional intellectual property (IP) rights such as patents or copyright. In addition, some businesses may not find it appropriate for this information to be protected through IP rights. Nevertheless, that information might be extremely valuable for an organisation’s success and competitiveness, and should thus be kept confidential.

Information that is kept confidential in order to preserve competitive gains is referred to as “trade secrets”. This fact sheet illustrates the importance of trade secrets for businesses and provides insight into trade secret protection and management.