The Risk of Expiring NDAs to Trade Secret Status Under the DTSA

At a recent trade secret conference, several speakers highlighted a problem with a common industry practice related to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). In particular, NDAs are often drafted such that they (and the confidentiality obligations therein) expire after a set term, but there is a very real risk that doing so may inadvertently destroy trade secret status of information disclosed pursuant to the NDA.

7 minute read April 30, 2026 at 11:11 PM
By
Zachary L. Garrett , John D. Murnane and Stephen Krachie
The Risk of Expiring NDAs to Trade Secret Status Under the DTSA

At a recent trade secret conference, several speakers highlighted a problem with a common industry practice related to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).

This premium content is locked for The Intellectual Property Strategist subscribers only

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THE SINGLE SOURCE OF OBJECTIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS, PRACTICAL INSIGHTS, AND NEWS IN The Intellectual Property Strategist

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

Already have an account? Sign In Now

For enterprise-wide or corporate access, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or call 1-877-256-2473.

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2026 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Continue Reading

Agentic AI introduces risks that are novel and complex, but the most effective response is a familiar one. Zero Trust answers the problem of when an AI agent misfires on its own by constraining what an agent can do rather than betting on how it will behave.

July 31, 2026

The outsourcing of office and administrative services is expected to grow 50%-60% in the next five years. Contrary to what decision-makers think, and what the service providers hope you think, the biggest risk in outsourcing isn't choosing the wrong provider. It's outsourcing the wrong process, under the wrong model, with the wrong performance measures and contract terms.

July 31, 2026