Trade Secrets
Trade secrets are confidential business information that provides a competitive advantage, such as formulas, processes, designs, or customer lists, and are protected by law without formal registration. They are a form of intellectual property that relies on secrecy and reasonable measures to maintain confidentiality. Unlike patents or copyrights, trade secrets have no expiration date as long as they remain secret.
Developers should understand trade secrets to protect proprietary code, algorithms, or business logic that give their company an edge, especially in industries like software development, AI, or fintech. This knowledge is crucial when handling sensitive data, implementing non-disclosure agreements, or avoiding legal risks in collaborative projects. It helps in making informed decisions about what to keep confidential versus what to patent or open-source.