How long do trade secrets last?

In Washington state, trade secrets generally last for as long as the secret remains a secret. Trade secrets are secrets of information that have economic value. This can include ideas, designs, inventions, processes, and customer lists. However, a trade secret will not remain legally protected if the person with the secret does not take steps to preserve its secrecy. For example, the person with the secret should take steps to make sure other people do not learn it or use it, by keeping the information secure and not disclosing it to anyone else. The law in Washington is not clear on how long trade secrets can last. It is generally accepted that trade secrets can last indefinitely, so long as they are kept a secret. If at some point the secret becomes widely known, that is generally when the trade secret protections would no longer apply. It is important to remember that trade secrets may be protected differently depending on the state and the type of secret. It is a good idea to consult a lawyer or legal expert for specific advice about how long a particular trade secret may remain protected.

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