Business Plans as Legally Protected Trade Secrets under the Uniform Trade Secrets Act

Small and large businesses alike must all develop business plans that are made up of vital information, practices, and knowledge that can give them a competitive advantage in the industry. This information put into the business plan or model can be costly to develop and thus makes the plan valuable. These business plans and models must remain confidential; otherwise, they would lose their economic value. These business plans, trade secrets, and other models should be legally protected. This article discusses the Uniform Trade Secrets Act as a way to protect the confidential information of a business and entrepreneur when information is not patented, copyrighted, trademarked, or protected by a covenant-not-to-compete. Discussions, implications, and recommendations are provided for managers, business owners, and entrepreneurs who want to protect vital information from falling in the hands of their competitors.