The copying, distribution, public display or public performance of a copyrighted work or derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner constitutes infringement and is actionable under the Copyright Act. Criminal penalties may apply. Trade Secrets Information not known in the trade which gives the person or organization an advantage over competitors, and which information is held in confidence. Trade secrets are protected by common law, state statutes and contract law in the U.S. and in most other countries. No registration is available.
Trade secrets are protectable as long as secrecy is maintained.
The unauthorized disclosure or use of trade secrets constitutes misappropriation and is actionable under state laws. Criminal penalties may apply. These are the current terms of protection. Older patents, copyrights and trademarks were subject to different terms. It is not a substitute for legal advice or individual analysis of a particular legal matter.