In which scenario might the disclosure of a trade secret be considered innocent rather than wrongful?

The disclosure of a trade secret may be considered innocent rather than wrongful in situations where there is an absence of evidence that the owner has taken reasonable precautions to protect their confidential information. This principle is rooted in the expectation that businesses and individuals must take adequate measures to safeguard their proprietary information. If an owner fails to establish protective measures—such as confidentiality agreements, physical security, or restricted access—then the onus for the loss of the trade secret can shift away from the disclosing party. Essentially, without reasonable steps taken to maintain confidentiality, it may be argued that the information was inadequately protected and the disclosure was not malicious or intentional.

The absence of effective protective measures often serves as a basis for courts to determine the innocence of a disclosure because it reflects a lack of diligence on the part of the trade secret owner. This underscores the importance of proactive security strategies in maintaining trade secrets.