Trade Secret Contract for the United Kingdom

Trade Secret Contract Template for England and Wales

A Trade Secret Contract under English and Welsh law is a legally binding agreement that protects confidential business information that provides a commercial advantage. It is governed by the Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018 and common law principles of confidentiality. The agreement defines the protected information, establishes obligations for maintaining secrecy, and outlines remedies for unauthorized disclosure or use.

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What is a Trade Secret Contract?

A Trade Secret Contract is essential when businesses need to protect valuable confidential information that gives them a competitive edge. Under English and Welsh law, this document establishes legally binding obligations to maintain secrecy, defines what constitutes protected information, and sets out consequences for breach. It's particularly crucial when sharing sensitive business information with employees, contractors, or business partners, and should be tailored to comply with the Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018 and related legislation.

What sections should be included in a Trade Secret Contract?

1. Parties: Identification of contracting parties and their details

2. Background: Context and purpose of the agreement

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement including specific definition of trade secrets and confidential information

4. Trade Secret Definition: Specific description of information being protected and its qualifying characteristics

5. Confidentiality Obligations: Core obligations regarding protection and non-disclosure of trade secrets

6. Permitted Uses: Authorized uses and scope of permitted activities regarding the trade secrets

7. Term and Termination: Duration of obligations and circumstances for termination

8. Return of Information: Obligations regarding return or destruction of confidential information upon termination

What sections are optional to include in a Trade Secret Contract?

1. Employee Obligations: Specific provisions for employee access and handling of trade secrets

2. Digital Security Measures: Technical requirements for protecting digital trade secrets

3. Third Party Disclosure: Provisions governing authorized disclosure to third parties

4. International Transfer: Requirements and restrictions for cross-border transfer of trade secrets

What schedules should be included in a Trade Secret Contract?

1. Schedule 1: Description of Trade Secrets: Detailed inventory and description of protected trade secrets

2. Schedule 2: Security Protocols: Specific security measures and procedures for protecting trade secrets

3. Schedule 3: Authorized Personnel: List of individuals authorized to access and handle trade secrets

4. Appendix A: Non-Disclosure Agreement Template: Standard form NDA for employees and third parties

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

England and Wales

Publisher

Genie AI

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Industries

Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018: Primary UK legislation implementing the EU Trade Secrets Directive, defining trade secrets and establishing enforcement measures and remedies

Common Law of Confidentiality: Case law-based principles establishing requirements for breach of confidence claims and confidentiality obligations

Contract Act 1999: Fundamental legislation governing contract formation, enforcement, and general contractual principles in England and Wales

Data Protection Act 2018: Legislation governing personal data protection, relevant when trade secrets involve personal information

UK GDPR: Post-Brexit data protection regulation implementing GDPR principles in UK law, applicable when trade secrets contain personal data

Employment Rights Act 1996: Legislation governing employment relationships including provisions for employee confidentiality and trade secret protection

Patents Act 1977: Intellectual property legislation that may interact with trade secret protection, particularly for potentially patentable innovations

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: IP legislation protecting creative works, designs, and innovations that might overlap with trade secret protection

Trade Marks Act 1994: Legislation protecting distinctive business identifiers that might be related to trade secret information

Computer Misuse Act 1990: Legislation addressing unauthorized access to computer systems, relevant for digitally stored trade secrets

Coco v A.N. Clark (Engineers) Ltd [1969]: Landmark case establishing the three essential requirements for breach of confidence claims in English law

Vestergaard Frandsen A/S v Bestnet Europe Ltd [2013]: Supreme Court case providing guidance on trade secret misuse and the scope of confidentiality obligations

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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