Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018: Key legislation implementing the EU Trade Secrets Directive that defines trade secrets, their protection, and remedies for misappropriation. Essential for protecting proprietary information.
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Fundamental IP legislation covering protection of intellectual property rights, ownership of works created during employment, and moral rights provisions.
Patents Act 1977: Governs patent rights, specifically addressing employee invention rights, patent ownership in employment context, and compensation for employee inventions.
Employment Rights Act 1996: Provides framework for employment relationships, including reasonableness of restrictive covenants and employee rights and obligations.
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Regulates processing of personal data, data protection obligations, and cross-border data transfers in the context of confidential information.
Computer Misuse Act 1990: Addresses protection of computer systems and data, including provisions against unauthorized access to proprietary information systems.
Common Law Principles: Encompasses duty of confidentiality, fiduciary duties, and restraint of trade doctrine as established through case law.
Contract Law: General principles governing formation requirements, consideration, and enforceability of contractual terms in agreements.
Equality Act 2010: Ensures non-discrimination provisions and reasonable accommodations in employment-related agreements.
Companies Act 2006: Covers director's duties and corporate confidentiality obligations relevant to proprietary information protection.
