European Parliament passes Trade Secrets Directive

New European Union rules to help companies win legal redress against theft or misuse of their trade secrets were voted by Parliament today (April 14).

Members of the European Parliament (M EPs) ensured that freedom of expression and information will be protected and that the rules will not restrict the work of journalists, according to an official statement.

“With one company out of every five a victim of theft of trade secrets every year, harmonization should allow the creation of a safe and trustworthy environment for European companies, which will see their intangible assets and know-how secured,” said rapporteur Constance le Grip (EPP, FR). "I've also been fighting to ensure that the safeguards laid down in this text to protect the work of journalists and whistle-blowers are as real and as unambiguous as can be," she added. Her resolution was passed by 503 votes to 131, with 18 abstentions.