The New Trade Secrets Directive: Its Meaning And Impact

From 9 June 2018, there is new EU legislation coming into force called the Trade Secrets Directive. Here we outline what it means and how your business could be affected.

The purpose of the Trade Secrets Directive

Trade secrets can take many forms and include everything from algorithms through to chemical formulas, processes, business plans, and customer lists. One of the most well-known is the Coca-Cola® recipe which has been kept secret since 1886.

The aim of the Directive is to set out a minimum standard to protect trade secrets, which is harmonised across the EU. It will also bring the UK law closer to the position in other key territories such as the United States and China.