{ "name": "Trade secret and ownership rules for internal tools", "title": "Trade secret and ownership rules for internal tools", "kind": "terms-board", "url": "https://sellinternaltoolstoai.com/datasets/internal-tool-trade-secret-law/", "csv": "https://sellinternaltoolstoai.com/datasets/internal-tool-trade-secret-law.csv", "markdown": "https://sellinternaltoolstoai.com/datasets/internal-tool-trade-secret-law/index.md", "computed_at": "2026-10-28", "license": "https://sellinternaltoolstoai.com/terms", "headline": "14 rules on trade secrets and the ownership of software that decide whether a company may license its internal tools, each quoted from the statute or the authority page, read 28 October 2026.", "quotes": [ "14 rules on trade secrets and the ownership of software that decide whether a company may license its internal tools, each quoted from the statute or the authority page, read 28 October 2026.", "Which body of rules, by rule: UK copyright law 4 of 14, US trade secret law 4 of 14, US copyright law 3 of 14, UK trade secret law 2 of 14, UK patent law 1 of 14 (14 rules, read 28 October 2026).", "What the rule decides for a licence, by rule: what information or work is protected 5 of 14, the employer owns what an employee makes at work 4 of 14, what a court can order 2 of 14, what taking or using it wrongly means 1 of 14, the owner must keep it secret by reasonable measures 1 of 14, ownership moves only by a signed writing 1 of 14 (14 rules, read 28 October 2026).", "The rule in its own words, by rule: stated 14 of 14 (14 rules, read 28 October 2026)." ], "citation": "\"Trade secret and ownership rules for internal tools\", updated 2026-10-28, https://sellinternaltoolstoai.com/datasets/internal-tool-trade-secret-law/.", "national": { "n": 14, "unit": "rules", "documents": 14, "published_sources": 14, "named_sources": 16 }, "board": { "type": "clauses", "noun": { "one": "rule", "many": "rules" }, "document": { "one": "text", "many": "texts" }, "fields": [ { "id": "regime", "label": "Which body of rules", "counts": { "uk-copyright": 4, "us-trade-secret": 4, "us-copyright": 3, "uk-patents": 1, "uk-trade-secret": 2 }, "values": [ { "value": "us-trade-secret", "text": "US trade secret law" }, { "value": "uk-trade-secret", "text": "UK trade secret law" }, { "value": "us-copyright", "text": "US copyright law" }, { "value": "uk-copyright", "text": "UK copyright law" }, { "value": "uk-patents", "text": "UK patent law" } ] }, { "id": "topic", "label": "What the rule decides for a licence", "counts": { "transfer-in-writing": 1, "what-is-protected": 5, "remedy": 2, "employer-owns": 4, "reasonable-measures": 1, "misappropriation": 1 }, "values": [ { "value": "what-is-protected", "text": "what information or work is protected" }, { "value": "reasonable-measures", "text": "the owner must keep it secret by reasonable measures" }, { "value": "misappropriation", "text": "what taking or using it wrongly means" }, { "value": "employer-owns", "text": "the employer owns what an employee makes at work" }, { "value": "transfer-in-writing", "text": "ownership moves only by a signed writing" }, { "value": "remedy", "text": "what a court can order" } ] }, { "id": "clause", "label": "The rule in its own words", "counts": { "stated": 14 }, "values": [ { "value": "stated", "text": "stated" } ], "clause": true } ], "lead": { "type": "count", "field": null, "value": null, "n": 14, "of": 14, "label": "Rules quoted from source" }, "vendors": [ { "name": "Assignment in writing, UK", "answers": { "regime": { "value": "uk-copyright", "text": "UK copyright law", "documents": [ { "document": "CDPA 1988 s90", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "value": "uk-copyright", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "transfer-in-writing", "text": "ownership moves only by a signed writing", "documents": [ { "document": "CDPA 1988 s90", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "value": "transfer-in-writing", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor." } ] }, "clause": { "value": "stated", "text": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on…", "documents": [ { "document": "CDPA 1988 s90", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "value": "stated", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor." } ] } } }, { "name": "Author of a computer-generated work, UK", "answers": { "regime": { "value": "uk-copyright", "text": "UK copyright law", "documents": [ { "document": "CDPA 1988 s9", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/9", "value": "uk-copyright", "quote": "In this Part “author”, in relation to a work, means the person who creates it." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "what-is-protected", "text": "what information or work is protected", "documents": [ { "document": "CDPA 1988 s9", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/9", "value": "what-is-protected", "quote": "In the case of a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work which is computer-generated, the author shall be taken to be the person by whom the arrangements necessary for the creation of the work are undertaken." } ] }, "clause": { "value": "stated", "text": "In the case of a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work which is…", "documents": [ { "document": "CDPA 1988 s9", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/9", "value": "stated", "quote": "In the case of a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work which is computer-generated, the author shall be taken to be the person by whom the arrangements necessary for the creation of the work are undertaken." } ] } } }, { "name": "Civil action for misappropriation, US", "answers": { "regime": { "value": "us-trade-secret", "text": "US trade secret law", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S.C. 1836", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836", "value": "us-trade-secret", "quote": "may bring a civil action under this subsection if the" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "remedy", "text": "what a court can order", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S.C. 1836", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836", "value": "remedy", "quote": "may bring a civil action under this subsection if the" } ] }, "clause": { "value": "stated", "text": "may bring a civil action under this subsection if the", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S.C. 1836", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836", "value": "stated", "quote": "may bring a civil action under this subsection if the" } ] } } }, { "name": "Computer programs are literary works, UK", "answers": { "regime": { "value": "uk-copyright", "text": "UK copyright law", "documents": [ { "document": "CDPA 1988 s3", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3", "value": "uk-copyright", "quote": "Copyright does not subsist in a literary, dramatic or musical work unless and until it is recorded, in writing or otherwise;" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "what-is-protected", "text": "what information or work is protected", "documents": [ { "document": "CDPA 1988 s3", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3", "value": "what-is-protected", "quote": "preparatory design material for a computer program" } ] }, "clause": { "value": "stated", "text": "Copyright does not subsist in a literary, dramatic or musical work unless and until it is…", "documents": [ { "document": "CDPA 1988 s3", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3", "value": "stated", "quote": "Copyright does not subsist in a literary, dramatic or musical work unless and until it is recorded, in writing or otherwise;" } ] } } }, { "name": "Copyright excludes procedures and methods, US", "answers": { "regime": { "value": "us-copyright", "text": "US copyright law", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S.C. 102", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/102", "value": "us-copyright", "quote": "In no case does copyright protection for an original work of authorship extend to any idea, procedure, process, system, method of operation" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "what-is-protected", "text": "what information or work is protected", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S.C. 102", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/102", "value": "what-is-protected", "quote": "In no case does copyright protection for an original work of authorship extend to any idea, procedure, process, system, method of operation" } ] }, "clause": { "value": "stated", "text": "In no case does copyright protection for an original work of authorship extend to any…", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S.C. 102", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/102", "value": "stated", "quote": "In no case does copyright protection for an original work of authorship extend to any idea, procedure, process, system, method of operation, concept, principle, or discovery" } ] } } }, { "name": "Employee inventions, UK", "answers": { "regime": { "value": "uk-patents", "text": "UK patent law", "documents": [ { "document": "Patents Act 1977 s39", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1977/37/section/39", "value": "uk-patents", "quote": "an invention made by an employee shall, as between him and his employer, be taken to belong to his employer for the purposes of this Act and all other purposes if" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "employer-owns", "text": "the employer owns what an employee makes at work", "documents": [ { "document": "Patents Act 1977 s39", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1977/37/section/39", "value": "employer-owns", "quote": "an invention made by an employee shall, as between him and his employer, be taken to belong to his employer for the purposes of this Act and all other purposes if" } ] }, "clause": { "value": "stated", "text": "it was made in the course of the normal duties of the employee or in the course of duties…", "documents": [ { "document": "Patents Act 1977 s39", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1977/37/section/39", "value": "stated", "quote": "it was made in the course of the normal duties of the employee or in the course of duties falling outside his normal duties, but specifically assigned to him" } ] } } }, { "name": "Employer as author, US", "answers": { "regime": { "value": "us-copyright", "text": "US copyright law", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S.C. 201", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "value": "us-copyright", "quote": "Copyright in a work protected under this title vests initially in the author or authors of the work." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "employer-owns", "text": "the employer owns what an employee makes at work", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S.C. 201", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "value": "employer-owns", "quote": "In the case of a work made for hire, the employer or other person for whom the work was prepared is considered the author for purposes of this title" } ] }, "clause": { "value": "stated", "text": "In the case of a work made for hire, the employer or other person for whom the work was…", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S.C. 201", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "value": "stated", "quote": "In the case of a work made for hire, the employer or other person for whom the work was prepared is considered the author for purposes of this title, and, unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by them, owns all of the rights comprised in the copyright." } ] } } }, { "name": "Employer first owner, UK", "answers": { "regime": { "value": "uk-copyright", "text": "UK copyright law", "documents": [ { "document": "CDPA 1988 s11", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "value": "uk-copyright", "quote": "The author of a work is the first owner of any copyright in it, subject to the following provisions." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "employer-owns", "text": "the employer owns what an employee makes at work", "documents": [ { "document": "CDPA 1988 s11", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "value": "employer-owns", "quote": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary." } ] }, "clause": { "value": "stated", "text": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner…", "documents": [ { "document": "CDPA 1988 s11", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "value": "stated", "quote": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary." } ] } } }, { "name": "Trade secret, UK definition", "answers": { "regime": { "value": "uk-trade-secret", "text": "UK trade secret law", "documents": [ { "document": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg 2", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2", "value": "uk-trade-secret", "quote": "has commercial value because it is secret, and" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "reasonable-measures", "text": "the owner must keep it secret by reasonable measures", "documents": [ { "document": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg 2", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2", "value": "reasonable-measures", "quote": "has been subject to reasonable steps under the circumstances, by the person lawfully in control of the information, to keep it secret;" } ] }, "clause": { "value": "stated", "text": "has been subject to reasonable steps under the circumstances, by the person lawfully in…", "documents": [ { "document": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg 2", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2", "value": "stated", "quote": "has been subject to reasonable steps under the circumstances, by the person lawfully in control of the information, to keep it secret;" } ] } } }, { "name": "Trade secret, US definition", "answers": { "regime": { "value": "us-trade-secret", "text": "US trade secret law", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S.C. 1839", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839", "value": "us-trade-secret", "quote": "all forms and types of financial, business, scientific, technical, economic, or engineering information" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "what-is-protected", "text": "what information or work is protected", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S.C. 1839", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839", "value": "what-is-protected", "quote": "the information derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to" } ] }, "clause": { "value": "stated", "text": "thereof has taken reasonable measures to keep such information secret;", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S.C. 1839", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839", "value": "stated", "quote": "thereof has taken reasonable measures to keep such information secret;" } ] } } }, { "name": "Trade secret, USPTO policy", "answers": { "regime": { "value": "us-trade-secret", "text": "US trade secret law", "documents": [ { "document": "USPTO trade secret policy", "url": "https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/trade-secret-policy", "value": "us-trade-secret", "quote": "Is information that has either actual or potential independent economic value by virtue of not being generally known" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "what-is-protected", "text": "what information or work is protected", "documents": [ { "document": "USPTO trade secret policy", "url": "https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/trade-secret-policy", "value": "what-is-protected", "quote": "Is information that has either actual or potential independent economic value by virtue of not being generally known" } ] }, "clause": { "value": "stated", "text": "Is information that has either actual or potential independent economic value by virtue…", "documents": [ { "document": "USPTO trade secret policy", "url": "https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/trade-secret-policy", "value": "stated", "quote": "Is information that has either actual or potential independent economic value by virtue of not being generally known" } ] } } }, { "name": "Unlawful acquisition, use or disclosure, UK", "answers": { "regime": { "value": "uk-trade-secret", "text": "UK trade secret law", "documents": [ { "document": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg 3", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/3", "value": "uk-trade-secret", "quote": "The acquisition, use or disclosure of a trade secret is unlawful where the acquisition, use or disclosure constitutes a breach of confidence in confidential information." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "misappropriation", "text": "what taking or using it wrongly means", "documents": [ { "document": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg 3", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/3", "value": "misappropriation", "quote": "The acquisition, use or disclosure of a trade secret is unlawful where the acquisition, use or disclosure constitutes a breach of confidence in confidential information." } ] }, "clause": { "value": "stated", "text": "The acquisition, use or disclosure of a trade secret is unlawful where the acquisition…", "documents": [ { "document": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg 3", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/3", "value": "stated", "quote": "The acquisition, use or disclosure of a trade secret is unlawful where the acquisition, use or disclosure constitutes a breach of confidence in confidential information." } ] } } }, { "name": "Whistleblower immunity notice, US", "answers": { "regime": { "value": "us-trade-secret", "text": "US trade secret law", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S.C. 1833", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1833", "value": "us-trade-secret", "quote": "An employer shall provide notice of the immunity set forth in this subsection in any contract or agreement with an employee that governs the use of a trade secret or other confidential information." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "remedy", "text": "what a court can order", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S.C. 1833", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1833", "value": "remedy", "quote": "If an employer does not comply with the notice requirement in subparagraph (A), the employer may not be awarded exemplary damages or attorney fees" } ] }, "clause": { "value": "stated", "text": "An employer shall provide notice of the immunity set forth in this subsection in any…", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S.C. 1833", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1833", "value": "stated", "quote": "An employer shall provide notice of the immunity set forth in this subsection in any contract or agreement with an employee that governs the use of a trade secret or other confidential information." } ] } } }, { "name": "Work made for hire, US definition", "answers": { "regime": { "value": "us-copyright", "text": "US copyright law", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S.C. 101", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101", "value": "us-copyright", "quote": "a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "employer-owns", "text": "the employer owns what an employee makes at work", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S.C. 101", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101", "value": "employer-owns", "quote": "a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment" } ] }, "clause": { "value": "stated", "text": "a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S.C. 101", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101", "value": "stated", "quote": "a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment" } ] } } } ] }, "subject_kind": "rule", "rows": [ { "subject": "Assignment in writing, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "document": "CDPA 1988 s90", "question": "regime", "answer": "uk-copyright", "answer_text": "UK copyright law", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor.", "text_sha256": "41340d9e7618d2270c113f4d107791882583cfacea0be8e2519d75774b126a0b" }, { "subject": "Assignment in writing, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "document": "CDPA 1988 s90", "question": "topic", "answer": "transfer-in-writing", "answer_text": "ownership moves only by a signed writing", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor.", "text_sha256": "41340d9e7618d2270c113f4d107791882583cfacea0be8e2519d75774b126a0b" }, { "subject": "Assignment in writing, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "document": "CDPA 1988 s90", "question": "clause", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor.", "text_sha256": "41340d9e7618d2270c113f4d107791882583cfacea0be8e2519d75774b126a0b" }, { "subject": "Author of a computer-generated work, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/9", "document": "CDPA 1988 s9", "question": "regime", "answer": "uk-copyright", "answer_text": "UK copyright law", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "In this Part “author”, in relation to a work, means the person who creates it.", "text_sha256": "8d6738e9c814c688f367163a99ea800089043cde50594c631bdb29a557f24ac2" }, { "subject": "Author of a computer-generated work, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/9", "document": "CDPA 1988 s9", "question": "topic", "answer": "what-is-protected", "answer_text": "what information or work is protected", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "In the case of a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work which is computer-generated, the author shall be taken to be the person by whom the arrangements necessary for the creation of the work are undertaken.", "text_sha256": "8d6738e9c814c688f367163a99ea800089043cde50594c631bdb29a557f24ac2" }, { "subject": "Author of a computer-generated work, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/9", "document": "CDPA 1988 s9", "question": "clause", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "In the case of a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work which is…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "In the case of a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work which is computer-generated, the author shall be taken to be the person by whom the arrangements necessary for the creation of the work are undertaken.", "text_sha256": "8d6738e9c814c688f367163a99ea800089043cde50594c631bdb29a557f24ac2" }, { "subject": "Civil action for misappropriation, US", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836", "document": "18 U.S.C. 1836", "question": "regime", "answer": "us-trade-secret", "answer_text": "US trade secret law", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "may bring a civil action under this subsection if the", "text_sha256": "b7edbd27f90a994b6f86e3d8f685b717945302f3b99d7ea153f0494ac73679cf" }, { "subject": "Civil action for misappropriation, US", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836", "document": "18 U.S.C. 1836", "question": "topic", "answer": "remedy", "answer_text": "what a court can order", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "may bring a civil action under this subsection if the", "text_sha256": "b7edbd27f90a994b6f86e3d8f685b717945302f3b99d7ea153f0494ac73679cf" }, { "subject": "Civil action for misappropriation, US", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836", "document": "18 U.S.C. 1836", "question": "clause", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "may bring a civil action under this subsection if the", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "may bring a civil action under this subsection if the", "text_sha256": "b7edbd27f90a994b6f86e3d8f685b717945302f3b99d7ea153f0494ac73679cf" }, { "subject": "Computer programs are literary works, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3", "document": "CDPA 1988 s3", "question": "regime", "answer": "uk-copyright", "answer_text": "UK copyright law", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "Copyright does not subsist in a literary, dramatic or musical work unless and until it is recorded, in writing or otherwise;", "text_sha256": "df0d0c24f9ff54d9cde547923069ade64c52d5d6e8955d1fe2fa2e8a3706fe6c" }, { "subject": "Computer programs are literary works, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3", "document": "CDPA 1988 s3", "question": "topic", "answer": "what-is-protected", "answer_text": "what information or work is protected", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "preparatory design material for a computer program", "text_sha256": "df0d0c24f9ff54d9cde547923069ade64c52d5d6e8955d1fe2fa2e8a3706fe6c" }, { "subject": "Computer programs are literary works, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3", "document": "CDPA 1988 s3", "question": "clause", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "Copyright does not subsist in a literary, dramatic or musical work unless and until it is…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "Copyright does not subsist in a literary, dramatic or musical work unless and until it is recorded, in writing or otherwise;", "text_sha256": "df0d0c24f9ff54d9cde547923069ade64c52d5d6e8955d1fe2fa2e8a3706fe6c" }, { "subject": "Copyright excludes procedures and methods, US", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/102", "document": "17 U.S.C. 102", "question": "regime", "answer": "us-copyright", "answer_text": "US copyright law", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "In no case does copyright protection for an original work of authorship extend to any idea, procedure, process, system, method of operation", "text_sha256": "625f9678b9bf79051f34e4e6d493afdb6508fdc754b2beefbb0c6d71d302a156" }, { "subject": "Copyright excludes procedures and methods, US", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/102", "document": "17 U.S.C. 102", "question": "topic", "answer": "what-is-protected", "answer_text": "what information or work is protected", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "In no case does copyright protection for an original work of authorship extend to any idea, procedure, process, system, method of operation", "text_sha256": "625f9678b9bf79051f34e4e6d493afdb6508fdc754b2beefbb0c6d71d302a156" }, { "subject": "Copyright excludes procedures and methods, US", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/102", "document": "17 U.S.C. 102", "question": "clause", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "In no case does copyright protection for an original work of authorship extend to any…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "In no case does copyright protection for an original work of authorship extend to any idea, procedure, process, system, method of operation, concept, principle, or discovery", "text_sha256": "625f9678b9bf79051f34e4e6d493afdb6508fdc754b2beefbb0c6d71d302a156" }, { "subject": "Employee inventions, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1977/37/section/39", "document": "Patents Act 1977 s39", "question": "regime", "answer": "uk-patents", "answer_text": "UK patent law", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "an invention made by an employee shall, as between him and his employer, be taken to belong to his employer for the purposes of this Act and all other purposes if", "text_sha256": "3a03fb6371448ad1acbdd743710071270578b863e53c376cfd21184b13e85f4d" }, { "subject": "Employee inventions, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1977/37/section/39", "document": "Patents Act 1977 s39", "question": "topic", "answer": "employer-owns", "answer_text": "the employer owns what an employee makes at work", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "an invention made by an employee shall, as between him and his employer, be taken to belong to his employer for the purposes of this Act and all other purposes if", "text_sha256": "3a03fb6371448ad1acbdd743710071270578b863e53c376cfd21184b13e85f4d" }, { "subject": "Employee inventions, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1977/37/section/39", "document": "Patents Act 1977 s39", "question": "clause", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "it was made in the course of the normal duties of the employee or in the course of duties…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "it was made in the course of the normal duties of the employee or in the course of duties falling outside his normal duties, but specifically assigned to him", "text_sha256": "3a03fb6371448ad1acbdd743710071270578b863e53c376cfd21184b13e85f4d" }, { "subject": "Employer as author, US", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "document": "17 U.S.C. 201", "question": "regime", "answer": "us-copyright", "answer_text": "US copyright law", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "Copyright in a work protected under this title vests initially in the author or authors of the work.", "text_sha256": "cab0c9c7ed3688beed0db73f0c5c58c3a4f0fda472de9440566080dd0a562afd" }, { "subject": "Employer as author, US", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "document": "17 U.S.C. 201", "question": "topic", "answer": "employer-owns", "answer_text": "the employer owns what an employee makes at work", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "In the case of a work made for hire, the employer or other person for whom the work was prepared is considered the author for purposes of this title", "text_sha256": "cab0c9c7ed3688beed0db73f0c5c58c3a4f0fda472de9440566080dd0a562afd" }, { "subject": "Employer as author, US", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "document": "17 U.S.C. 201", "question": "clause", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "In the case of a work made for hire, the employer or other person for whom the work was…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "In the case of a work made for hire, the employer or other person for whom the work was prepared is considered the author for purposes of this title, and, unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by them, owns all of the rights comprised in the copyright.", "text_sha256": "cab0c9c7ed3688beed0db73f0c5c58c3a4f0fda472de9440566080dd0a562afd" }, { "subject": "Employer first owner, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "document": "CDPA 1988 s11", "question": "regime", "answer": "uk-copyright", "answer_text": "UK copyright law", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "The author of a work is the first owner of any copyright in it, subject to the following provisions.", "text_sha256": "e1b10366ea7821c3e9f50c97ec3bb359eab602e47d2d5704f25ace3596269c92" }, { "subject": "Employer first owner, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "document": "CDPA 1988 s11", "question": "topic", "answer": "employer-owns", "answer_text": "the employer owns what an employee makes at work", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary.", "text_sha256": "e1b10366ea7821c3e9f50c97ec3bb359eab602e47d2d5704f25ace3596269c92" }, { "subject": "Employer first owner, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "document": "CDPA 1988 s11", "question": "clause", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary.", "text_sha256": "e1b10366ea7821c3e9f50c97ec3bb359eab602e47d2d5704f25ace3596269c92" }, { "subject": "Trade secret, UK definition", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2", "document": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg 2", "question": "regime", "answer": "uk-trade-secret", "answer_text": "UK trade secret law", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "has commercial value because it is secret, and", "text_sha256": "f48636f6a77d625e11058cd33c1127d67d64545485c2295d73266b17b2199798" }, { "subject": "Trade secret, UK definition", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2", "document": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg 2", "question": "topic", "answer": "reasonable-measures", "answer_text": "the owner must keep it secret by reasonable measures", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "has been subject to reasonable steps under the circumstances, by the person lawfully in control of the information, to keep it secret;", "text_sha256": "f48636f6a77d625e11058cd33c1127d67d64545485c2295d73266b17b2199798" }, { "subject": "Trade secret, UK definition", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2", "document": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg 2", "question": "clause", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "has been subject to reasonable steps under the circumstances, by the person lawfully in…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "has been subject to reasonable steps under the circumstances, by the person lawfully in control of the information, to keep it secret;", "text_sha256": "f48636f6a77d625e11058cd33c1127d67d64545485c2295d73266b17b2199798" }, { "subject": "Trade secret, US definition", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839", "document": "18 U.S.C. 1839", "question": "regime", "answer": "us-trade-secret", "answer_text": "US trade secret law", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "all forms and types of financial, business, scientific, technical, economic, or engineering information", "text_sha256": "e00b8b07495c5c16057e0039e3a8f3df508377e06cd1b2cd548105bd2ba57704" }, { "subject": "Trade secret, US definition", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839", "document": "18 U.S.C. 1839", "question": "topic", "answer": "what-is-protected", "answer_text": "what information or work is protected", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "the information derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to", "text_sha256": "e00b8b07495c5c16057e0039e3a8f3df508377e06cd1b2cd548105bd2ba57704" }, { "subject": "Trade secret, US definition", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839", "document": "18 U.S.C. 1839", "question": "clause", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "thereof has taken reasonable measures to keep such information secret;", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "thereof has taken reasonable measures to keep such information secret;", "text_sha256": "e00b8b07495c5c16057e0039e3a8f3df508377e06cd1b2cd548105bd2ba57704" }, { "subject": "Trade secret, USPTO policy", "url": "https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/trade-secret-policy", "document": "USPTO trade secret policy", "question": "regime", "answer": "us-trade-secret", "answer_text": "US trade secret law", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "Is information that has either actual or potential independent economic value by virtue of not being generally known", "text_sha256": "661dda01ecc4c0baca49f676fbff1527ad3c4ad8b666a7b064c6d2186cc788e3" }, { "subject": "Trade secret, USPTO policy", "url": "https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/trade-secret-policy", "document": "USPTO trade secret policy", "question": "topic", "answer": "what-is-protected", "answer_text": "what information or work is protected", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "Is information that has either actual or potential independent economic value by virtue of not being generally known", "text_sha256": "661dda01ecc4c0baca49f676fbff1527ad3c4ad8b666a7b064c6d2186cc788e3" }, { "subject": "Trade secret, USPTO policy", "url": "https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/trade-secret-policy", "document": "USPTO trade secret policy", "question": "clause", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "Is information that has either actual or potential independent economic value by virtue…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "Is information that has either actual or potential independent economic value by virtue of not being generally known", "text_sha256": "661dda01ecc4c0baca49f676fbff1527ad3c4ad8b666a7b064c6d2186cc788e3" }, { "subject": "Unlawful acquisition, use or disclosure, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/3", "document": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg 3", "question": "regime", "answer": "uk-trade-secret", "answer_text": "UK trade secret law", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "The acquisition, use or disclosure of a trade secret is unlawful where the acquisition, use or disclosure constitutes a breach of confidence in confidential information.", "text_sha256": "c04c3d3b761eb6cec758b47bf033c5016452e3101f9d872cae5f7d469d380820" }, { "subject": "Unlawful acquisition, use or disclosure, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/3", "document": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg 3", "question": "topic", "answer": "misappropriation", "answer_text": "what taking or using it wrongly means", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "The acquisition, use or disclosure of a trade secret is unlawful where the acquisition, use or disclosure constitutes a breach of confidence in confidential information.", "text_sha256": "c04c3d3b761eb6cec758b47bf033c5016452e3101f9d872cae5f7d469d380820" }, { "subject": "Unlawful acquisition, use or disclosure, UK", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/3", "document": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg 3", "question": "clause", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "The acquisition, use or disclosure of a trade secret is unlawful where the acquisition…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "The acquisition, use or disclosure of a trade secret is unlawful where the acquisition, use or disclosure constitutes a breach of confidence in confidential information.", "text_sha256": "c04c3d3b761eb6cec758b47bf033c5016452e3101f9d872cae5f7d469d380820" }, { "subject": "Whistleblower immunity notice, US", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1833", "document": "18 U.S.C. 1833", "question": "regime", "answer": "us-trade-secret", "answer_text": "US trade secret law", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "An employer shall provide notice of the immunity set forth in this subsection in any contract or agreement with an employee that governs the use of a trade secret or other confidential information.", "text_sha256": "5291d710b828bf14f9241d270d202fa8cc862c1b34cca0d9be28471ed1a213f4" }, { "subject": "Whistleblower immunity notice, US", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1833", "document": "18 U.S.C. 1833", "question": "topic", "answer": "remedy", "answer_text": "what a court can order", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "If an employer does not comply with the notice requirement in subparagraph (A), the employer may not be awarded exemplary damages or attorney fees", "text_sha256": "5291d710b828bf14f9241d270d202fa8cc862c1b34cca0d9be28471ed1a213f4" }, { "subject": "Whistleblower immunity notice, US", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1833", "document": "18 U.S.C. 1833", "question": "clause", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "An employer shall provide notice of the immunity set forth in this subsection in any…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "An employer shall provide notice of the immunity set forth in this subsection in any contract or agreement with an employee that governs the use of a trade secret or other confidential information.", "text_sha256": "5291d710b828bf14f9241d270d202fa8cc862c1b34cca0d9be28471ed1a213f4" }, { "subject": "Work made for hire, US definition", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101", "document": "17 U.S.C. 101", "question": "regime", "answer": "us-copyright", "answer_text": "US copyright law", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-03", "quote": "a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment", "text_sha256": "60dcfb43762ed45147929d0140eadffbd82ff767734793408a6790895e06e2c1" }, { "subject": "Work made for hire, US definition", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101", "document": "17 U.S.C. 101", "question": "topic", "answer": "employer-owns", "answer_text": "the employer owns what an employee makes at work", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-03", "quote": "a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment", "text_sha256": "60dcfb43762ed45147929d0140eadffbd82ff767734793408a6790895e06e2c1" }, { "subject": "Work made for hire, US definition", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101", "document": "17 U.S.C. 101", "question": "clause", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-03", "quote": "a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment", "text_sha256": "60dcfb43762ed45147929d0140eadffbd82ff767734793408a6790895e06e2c1" } ], "sources": [ { "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839", "label": "Cornell LII, U.S. Code", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836", "label": "Cornell LII, U.S. Code", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/101", "label": "Cornell LII, U.S. Code", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "label": "Cornell LII, U.S. Code", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/102", "label": "Cornell LII, U.S. Code", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2", "label": "legislation.gov.uk", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/contents", "label": "legislation.gov.uk", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "not-terms", "why": "the regulations' contents page, which lists the provisions read as their own sources" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "label": "legislation.gov.uk", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/9", "label": "legislation.gov.uk", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "label": "legislation.gov.uk", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/trade-secret-policy", "label": "USPTO", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1833", "label": "Cornell LII, U.S. Code", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1977/37/section/39", "label": "legislation.gov.uk", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3", "label": "legislation.gov.uk", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/3", "label": "legislation.gov.uk", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.uniformlaws.org/committees/community-home?CommunityKey=3a2538fb-e030-4e2d-a9e2-90373dc05792", "label": "Uniform Law Commission", "license": "quoted for comment from the publisher's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software", "class": "primary-government", "status": "not-terms", "why": "the Uniform Law Commission committee page read at 1,040 characters carries no text of the Act" } ], "methodology": "Each rule's own statute texts and official guidance on trade secrets and the ownership of software were read through estate-fetch and stored whole (sha256 on every row). For every text, three questions were answered from its own words: which body of rules, what the rule decides for a licence, the rule in its own words. Every stated answer carries the sentence it rests on, checked against the stored text; 'not stated' means the text read does not address the question. A rule with several texts reads 'varies' where they disagree. 14 rules, 14 texts.", "embed": "
14 rules on trade secrets and the ownership of software that decide whether a company may license its internal tools, each quoted from the statute or the authority page, read 28 October 2026.
Trade secret and ownership rules for internal tools, sellinternaltoolstoai.com
" }