trade secret

American  

noun

1. a secret process, technique, method, etc., used to advantage in a trade, business, profession, etc.

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trade secret British  

noun

1. a secret formula, technique, process, etc, known and used to advantage by only one manufacturer

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Etymology

Origin of trade secret

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Both companies made leaps in technology after Liang joined, fueling concerns in Taiwan about the leakage of trade secrets.

From The Wall Street Journal

He also said jurors had no basis to determine how long Ford would have needed to develop three trade secrets it allegedly stole, and that this also required voiding the damages award.

From Reuters

Many global companies operating in China are trying to wall off their computer systems outside of China to limit potential losses of trade secrets and other valuable data.

From New York Times

"While right holders have welcomed some positive developments, they raise concerns about the adequacy and effective implementation of these measures," along with concerns about technology transfer, trade secrets and counterfeiting.

From Reuters

They also argued that the law would expose companies’ trade secrets.

From Seattle Times