How long does a trade secret need to exist in order to be protected?

In Texas, trade secrets must exist for at least one year in order to be protected under trade secret laws. This protection comes from the Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act which defines what a trade secret is and how it can be protected. Under this law, a trade secret must be information that has value, is not publically known, and belongs to an individual or business. This information must also be kept secret and not revealed to the public in order to remain protected. In order for something to be legally classified as a trade secret, it must have existed for at least one year. This means that any information that has been kept secret for at least the past 12 months can be classified as a trade secret. Trade secrets have various protections under Texas law. Businesses can pursue a legal claim if their trade secret is revealed, used, or stolen. This claim can seek to recover lost profits or damages, as well as an injunction that stops the use or disclosure of the trade secret. Overall, trade secrets must have existed for at least one year in order to be protected under Texas law. Once the required time has passed, businesses may be able to pursue legal action if their trade secret is revealed, used, or stolen.

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