The Law of Trade Secrets and Personal Secrets
By: Robert Dean (LL.M.)
The second edition of THE LAW OF TRADE SECRETS has been updated to provide new cases and commentary in the complex area of trade secrets. It discusses and analyses issues such as employee inventors, duties arising from a fiduciary relationship and economic torts and information secrets. The book contains new material that looks at the development of equity in protecting privacy and the law of personal secrets. It includes a new chapter examining the impact of FOI regimes in relation to trade secrets, a growing area of concern for practitioners. Readers will find that the text builds on the strength of the first edition to result in a highly useful text that they will turn to in dealing with complex trade secret issues.
AI Overview
"The Law of Trade Secrets and Personal Secrets" by Robert Dean is a legal treatise that focuses on the intersection of trade secrets and personal secrets in the context of intellectual property law. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Trade Secrets: The book delves into the legal framework governing trade secrets, including their definition, protection, and enforcement. It covers various aspects such as misappropriation, confidentiality agreements, and the role of courts in resolving disputes related to trade secrets.
- Personal Secrets: The book also explores the concept of personal secrets, which can include confidential information about individuals. It examines how personal secrets intersect with trade secrets and how they are protected under the law.
- Interplay between Trade Secrets and Personal Secrets: The treatise discusses the complexities arising from the interaction between trade secrets and personal secrets. It provides insights into how these two concepts can sometimes overlap, creating unique legal challenges.
Plot Summary
The book is structured as a comprehensive legal guide rather than a narrative. It is divided into sections that cover the theoretical and practical aspects of trade secrets and personal secrets. The content includes:
- Definition and Scope: Detailed explanations of what constitutes a trade secret and a personal secret.
- Protection Mechanisms: Discussion of legal mechanisms such as non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), confidentiality clauses, and other contractual arrangements.
- Misappropriation and Infringement: Analysis of how trade secrets and personal secrets can be misappropriated and the legal remedies available.
- Case Studies and Examples: Real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the application of the law in different scenarios.
Critical Reception
While there is no specific critical reception available in the sources provided, the book's reputation can be inferred from its publication history and the fact that it has been updated to a second edition. The second edition suggests that the first edition was well-received and that there was a need for further revisions to keep the content current and comprehensive.
Editions and Availability
The book has been published in at least two editions. The first edition is no longer in print, but a second edition was published by Law Book Co. in 2002. The second edition is likely to be more comprehensive and updated, reflecting changes in the legal landscape since the first edition.
Authors
Robert Dean is the primary author, and Tony Thomas is listed as a co-author for the second edition. Robert Dean holds an LL.M. degree, indicating his expertise in the field of intellectual property law.
Availability
The book is available through various academic and legal resources, including online catalogs and libraries. However, due to its publication history and availability status, it may be more challenging to access the second edition directly.