What does the Uniform Trade Secrets Act primarily protect?

The Uniform Trade Secrets Act primarily protects confidential information that provides a competitive edge to businesses and organizations, specifically focusing on trade secrets that have been misappropriated. A trade secret is defined as any information that derives independent economic value from not being generally known to, or readily ascertainable by, others who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use. This includes formulas, practices, processes, designs, instruments, or patterns that are not publicly available.

Misappropriation occurs when someone acquires a trade secret through improper means, such as theft, espionage, or breach of a confidentiality agreement. The act provides legal remedies for the owners of trade secrets, allowing them to seek damages from those who have unlawfully used or disclosed their proprietary information.

The other options do not align with the purpose of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. For example, trademarks and patents are covered under different legal frameworks that protect different aspects of intellectual property. Publicly available information does not qualify for trade secret protection, as its value relies on its confidentiality. Lastly, while trade secrets are a component of intellectual property rights, the Uniform Trade Secrets Act specifically zeroes in on the misappropriation of trade secrets rather than addressing all facets of intellectual property in general.