The Harmonization and Protection of Trade Secrets in the EU: An Appraisal of the EU Directive

This book addresses the growing importance of trade secrets in today's society and business and the related increase in litigation, media and scholarly attention. Written by a team of international experts, it uses the new EU Trade Secrets Directive as a prism through which to discuss the complex legal issues involved. Featuring both EU and wider international perspectives, chapters examine the Directive’s aim of harmonizing legislation on the protection of trade secrets across the EU, and discuss how this has been implemented by member states. Contributors also explore the effects of the new regime on contentious issues and crucial sectors such as medicine, big data and AI, as well as considering its relationship with US law in particular.

Scholars and students of patent law, innovation, and EU law and governance, particularly those with an interest in the topic of information freedom, will find this book of great significance in their research. Practitioners working in trade secrets and intellectual property more broadly will also find this book’s comprehensive analysis of the Directive and its practical implications invaluable.