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The Curious Persistence of the Six-Factor Trade Secret Test, Part 2

By Richard Rothman
May 31, 2025

Part Two: Compatibility of the Trade Secret Tests

This two-part article discusses the requirements for information to be considered a trade secret under U.S. law, focusing on courts’ continued use of the six-factor test outlined in the Restatement of Torts. Part One covered the evolving tests for establishing a trade secret, while Part Two examines the compatibility of those tests and potential considerations for litigators and legislators.

The Evolution of Trade Secret Tests Raises Questions About Their Compatibility

Tension Between Definitions


The evolution of the Restatements’ and the Uniform Trade Secrets Act’s (UTSA) definitions for “trade secret” suggests a tension. On one hand, the authors of the 1995 Restatement believe that all the definitions are basically the same. They argue that the 1995 Restatement definition “is intended to be consistent with” the UTSA definition and that the “principles” in the Restatement “are applicable to” the UTSA.

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