Photo © endostock – Fotolia
(STRASBOURG) – Euro-MPs gave the green light Thursday to new EU rules to help firms win legal redress against theft or misuse of their trade secrets. The legislation ensures freedom of expression and information, so that the rules do not restrict the work of journalists.
The directive, which was informally agreed with ministers before the vote, introduces an EU-wide definition of trade secret, meaning information which is secret, has commercial value because it is secret, and has been subject to reasonable steps to keep it secret.
It would oblige EU Member States to ensure that victims of misuse of trade secrets are able to defend their rights in court and to seek compensation. The agreed text also lays down rules to protect confidential information during legal proceedings.
MEPs have ensured that freedom of expression and information will be protected and that the rules will not restrict the work of journalists.
Further information, European Parliament
