What is the difference between a trade secret and copyright law?

Trade secrets and copyright law protect different types of intellectual property. Trade secrets are private information that is used to help an individual or company gain an economic advantage. Examples of trade secrets are recipes, secret formulas, and customer lists. This information is usually kept confidential and is not shared publically. On the other hand, copyright law protects a person’s or company’s creative works. Copyright law provides the authors of creative works the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and make money from their works. Copyright law protects books, movies, musical compositions, computer software, and other forms of creative expression. In Washington, trade secrets are protected by the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. This act makes it illegal for someone to acquire or use a trade secret through "improper means". It also prohibits the improper disclosure of a trade secret. Copyright law in Washington is governed by the federal Copyright Act and the Washington State Copyright Act. This law protects the rights of the creators of original works of authorship. It also prevents others from using those works without the permission of the copyright holder.

Related FAQs

Is there a difference between a trade secret and a patent?
Are there any exceptions to trade secret protection?
How do you identify trade secrets?
Can trade secrets be enforced through injunctions?
What is the difference between a trade secret and copyright law?
Can trade secrets be exposed through discovery in litigation?
What legal remedies are available in the United States for trade secret misappropriation?
What is the law on trade secrets in China?
What type of information is not protected by trade secret law?
What is a trade secret license?

What is the difference between a trade secret and copyright law?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts