Confidentiality, also referred to as trade secrets, is both a type of intellectual property (IP) and a strategy for IP protection.

Common law protects you from other people stealing your trade secrets, breaching confidentiality agreements and passing off your trade mark as their own.

Make sure you back up your trade secrets with a confidentiality agreement signed by every person who has knowledge of the secrets. A confidentiality agreement can stop your employees from revealing your secret or proprietary knowledge during and after their employment or association with your business.