Trade secret

Restatement (First) of Torts § 757, comment b states:


 * "[A]ny formula, pattern, device or compilation of information which is used in one's business, and which give him an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not know or use it. . . . A substantial element of secrecy must exist, so that, except by use of improper means, there would be difficulties in acquiring the information. . . . Protection is not based on a policy of rewarding or otherwise encouraging the development of secret processes or devices. The protection is merely against breach of faith and reprehensible means of learning another's secret."