Confidential Information and Trade Secrets

Overview

Confidential information and trade secrets can be central to a business’s value, competitiveness, and continuity. We advise clients on identifying what information should be treated as confidential, how it should be protected contractually and operationally, and what steps may be available if misuse, disclosure, or ownership disputes arise.

Service Spotlight

Confidentiality is only as strong as the systems supporting it. We help clients put robust confidentiality frameworks in place through NDAs, contracts, internal processes, and ownership documentation, and we assist where information has already been misused or leaked.

Specialists and practitioners

FAQs

What kinds of information can be protected as confidential?

Confidential information can include business plans, financial information, customer lists, supplier information, passwords, trade secrets, and know-how.

Should confidential information be covered by an NDA?

Often, yes. A non-disclosure agreement can be an important way to protect sensitive ideas, methods, and commercial information before sharing them with others.

Who owns confidential information created by employees or contractors?

Ownership depends on the relationship and the contract. Employees and contractors are often treated differently for IP ownership, which is why proper documentation is important.