What is the difference between trade secrets and know-how?

Trade secrets and know-how are similar in that they both refer to certain types of confidential information. However, there is an important difference between the two. Trade secrets are typically much broader than know-how and cover information that provides a company or individual with a competitive edge in the market. This could include marketing plans, customer lists, pricing formulas, and manufacturing processes. On the other hand, know-how usually refers to a more specific type of information, such as specific skills, processes, or techniques used to produce a product. In Texas, trade secrets are legally protected under the Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act. This act states that any information that provides a company or individual with an economic gain and is not generally known to the public can be considered a trade secret. Know-how, on the other hand, does not receive this same legal protection. Since know-how is more specific and only refers to certain processes or techniques, it cannot be protected under the same laws as trade secrets. In short, trade secrets and know-how are both valuable types of confidential information, but trade secrets are much more broadly defined and receive legal protection in Texas under the Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act.

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