EU proposal on the protection of trade secrets : a step forward for innovation?

Abstract

The point of discussion of this Research Project is whether the Directive proposed by the European Commission in 2013 will represent a step forward for innovation in the context of regulating and protecting trade secrets. Looking at the spirit of the Directive and some of its main provisions will give a clearer picture of what the Commission intends to do in order to reach this goal, and with that, see whether this will be enough to provide appropriate protection to trade secrets and deal with the dangers presenting themselves through the development of technology and the Market. An insight into national legislation will provide a basis on which to argue that while the Directive provides the foundations for enforcement and protection of trade secrets, for it to truly be a success, the duty lies with the Member States to strengthen its provisions with their own laws to help make this Initiative an effective means for trade secret holders to protect their intellectual property.