California legal term
Trade secret in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Trade secret” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “Trade secret” mean in California criminal law?
“Trade secret” means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, or process, that: (A) Derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to the public or to other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and (B) Is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy. (Cal. Penal Code § 499c)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.