trade secret

noun

: something (such as a formula) which has economic value to a business because it is not generally known or easily discoverable by observation and for which efforts have been made to maintain secrecy

Examples of trade secret in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Waymo accused Uber of stealing trade secrets in 2016, but the patent dispute was settled in 2018, five days into a contentious trial. Joann Muller, Axios, 4 Mar. 2025 Another avenue for lawsuits against non-generative AI use is legal protections for trade secrets; trade secrets, which provide a competitive business advantage, are not known or shared with the public and reflect efforts designed to keep information secret. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Feb. 2025 These include subsidies that give homegrown producers an advantage over U.S. exports; ostensible health rules that are used to keep out foreign products; and loose regulations that encourage the theft of trade secrets and other intellectual property. Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025 Securing trademarks, patents, copyrights, and trade secrets is another important aspect. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trade secret

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trade secret was in 1825

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trade secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20secret. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Legal Definition

trade secret

noun
trade se·​cret
: a formula, process, device, or item of information used by a business that has economic value because it is not generally known or easily discovered by observation or examination and for which reasonable efforts to maintain secrecy have been made

Note: Trade secrets are a form of intellectual property. Many states have enacted laws which create an action for damages or injunctive relief against misappropriation of trade secrets by improper means. Information contained in a patent is not protected as a trade secret.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!