trade secret

noun

: something (such as a formula) which has economic value to a business because it is not generally known or easily discoverable by observation and for which efforts have been made to maintain secrecy

Examples of trade secret in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Topline Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and two former employees for theft of trade secrets, alleging the AI company took Apple technology to further their own hardware development. — Madhulika Pathak, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 In the suit, filed in the District Court of Northern California, Apple accuses OpenAI of trade secret misappropriation and breach of contract. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 July 2026 Apple on Friday sued OpenAI and its hardware chief, accusing the AI giant of stealing trade secrets. — Karey Van Hall, semafor.com, 10 July 2026 Apple has sued OpenAI and two of its former employees, accusing the company of misappropriating confidential information and trade secrets to accelerate its consumer hardware ambitions. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for trade secret

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of trade secret was in 1825

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trades council

trade secret

tradesfolk

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Style

“Trade secret.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trade%20secret. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

trade secret

noun

trade se·cret

: a formula, process, device, or item of information used by a business that has economic value because it is not generally known or easily discovered by observation or examination and for which reasonable efforts to maintain secrecy have been made

Note: Trade secrets are a form of intellectual property. Many states have enacted laws which create an action for damages or injunctive relief against misappropriation of trade secrets by improper means. Information contained in a patent is not protected as a trade secret.

trade secret

noun

Examples of trade secret in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Legal Definition

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