Is it necessary for a trade secret to be unique in order to be protected?

A trade secret does not need to be unique to qualify for protection. Instead, the essential requirement for something to be considered a trade secret is that it provides a business advantage because it is not generally known or readily accessible to others in the industry. This means that many businesses can operate using similar techniques, processes, or formulas without them achieving unique status, as long as they take reasonable steps to keep that information confidential.

For example, a common recipe for a dish may not be unique, but if kept secret, it can still be considered a trade secret if it gives a business an edge in the culinary market. The critical aspect is that the information is not publicly available, and the owner makes efforts to maintain its secrecy, rather than having to demonstrate uniqueness in the market.