What can be kept as a trade secret?
A trade secret is information that provides a business with a competitive advantage. The following section provides examples of circumstances where trade secret protection was approved or denied. Courts have provided trade secret protection to formulas, patterns, plans, designs, physical devices, processes, software, and ?know-how.? Examples of these trade secret categories are provided below. Please keep in mind that different courts may reach contrary conclusions concerning trade secret status with respect to what may appear to be identical matters. You may wish to consult a lawyer in your local area to obtain information on your state?s laws. • FORMULA: A formula (i.e., a recipe that allows one to create a product) can be a trade secret. One of the most familiar examples of a trade secret formula is the Coca-Cola formula. This formula gives the Coca-Cola Company a significant business advantage in the soda market, as there is no other soda that tastes the same. The Coca-Cola Company
