Confidentiality – Protecting Your Trade Secrets

Introduction: There is no copyright on ideas or information; hence, sharing any confidential information and preserving such information presents complex issues, especially at the time of breach of confidence.

Often, without taking adequate safeguards, companies and individuals share technical know-how, trade secrets, drawings, designs and concepts etc. In case of individuals or employees, generally the information is shared through emails or oral communication. In this background, the article discusses some of the issues concerning confidentiality on the basis of the rulings of the courts in India (Court(s)): requisites of trade secrets and classifying information as confidential; breach of confidence and remedies; and measures to preserve trade secrets and confidential information.