What are the laws and regulations regarding trade secrets and confidential information?

In Washington, trade secrets and confidential information are protected by federal and state law. Federal law, such as the Defend Trade Secrets Act, protects trade secrets in the same way it does patent, trademark and copyright protections. Trade secrets are defined as information that gives a business an advantage over its competitors and is kept secret by the business. Washington State laws on trade secrets are primarily contained in the Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA). This act defines a trade secret as information that is not generally known and has independent economic value from not being accessible to people who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use. The UTSA also contains regulations about the protection of confidential information. It requires employers to protect confidential information from unauthorized use or disclosure and to use reasonable measures to secure and protect it. Employers must also take reasonable steps to educate and train their employees about confidential information and the need to protect it. Lastly, Washington State has adopted the Employee Involvement in Business Protection Act, which makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who report trade secrets or confidential information. This law protects employees who are legally reporting improper or illegal activities at the workplace. Overall, both federal and state laws in Washington provide important protections for businesses who are protecting their secrets and confidential information. It is essential for businesses to understand these laws and to take the necessary steps to ensure they are compliant.

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What are the laws and regulations regarding trade secrets and confidential information?

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