To violate a trade secret, one must do what with the information?

To violate a trade secret, a party must misappropriate the information. Misappropriation refers to the unauthorized use or disclosure of trade secrets, typically acquired through improper means such as theft, bribery, or breach of a confidentiality agreement. This legal concept is central to trade secret law, as it highlights the need for the information to be protected from those who have acquired it without consent.

Misappropriation goes beyond simply disclosing or publicizing the trade secret; it involves a wrongful act that undermines the owner's rights and the confidentiality of the information. The focus is on the wrongful acquisition and use of trade secrets, which could result in competitive disadvantage to the rightful owner. Understanding this concept is crucial for recognizing the legal protections afforded to trade secrets and the ramifications of violating those protections.