Tech

Journalists and whistleblowers protected under new Trade Secrets Directive

The final version of the EU’s draft Trade Secrets Directive provides greater legal protection for journalists and whistleblowers who act in the public interest. EURACTIV France reports.

Constance Le Grip is the European Parliament's rapporteur on Trade Secrets. [European Parliament]

Cécile Barbière EURACTIV.fr Jan 12, 2016 07:03 3 min. read Content type: Euractiv is part of the Trust Project
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Background

In November 2013, the European Commission proposed a directive giving a common definition of what constitutes a business secret. This directive also provides the framework for victims of business secret theft to claim reparations.

The theft of business secrets is an increasingly widespread problem in the EU. In 2013, one in four European companies was the victim of at least one case of information theft (compared to 18% in 2012).

SMEs and start-ups tend to depend more heavily on confidentiality than large businesses, as do companies that deal in knowledge capital (expertise, R&D and creative products).

Differences in national legislation and the absence of a European definition of business secrets means levels of protection vary considerably from one EU member state to another. 

Further Reading

Updated: 29-09-2024

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