Trade Secrets Law in Angola
Here’s an overview of the Trade Secrets Law in Angola:
🇦🇴 Trade Secrets Law in Angola
1. Legal Framework
Angola protects trade secrets primarily under its Industrial Property Code (Law No. 3/92 of 1992), which covers patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and trade secrets.
Trade secrets protection is also influenced by general provisions on confidentiality and unfair competition in Angolan commercial law.
Angola is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), thereby aligning its laws with international standards such as the TRIPS Agreement.
2. Definition of Trade Secrets
Angola defines trade secrets as information that:
Is not generally known or easily accessible by persons in the relevant field.
Has commercial value because it is secret.
Is subject to reasonable measures by the rightful owner to keep it confidential.
This includes formulas, methods, processes, designs, plans, or any business information that provides an economic advantage.
3. Protection Scope
Trade secret protection in Angola covers confidential business information that gives a competitive edge.
The law prohibits unauthorized acquisition, use, or disclosure of trade secrets.
Protection extends to employees, contractors, and third parties who obtain the secret improperly.
4. Enforcement
Trade secret holders can seek civil remedies including injunctions, damages, and account of profits.
Courts can order measures to prevent or stop the unlawful use or disclosure of trade secrets.
Criminal sanctions may also apply in cases of theft or industrial espionage.
5. International Compliance
Angola complies with the TRIPS Agreement provisions on trade secrets, which require protection against unfair commercial use and disclosure.
Angola is also a signatory to the Paris Convention, which supports the protection of intellectual property rights.
6. Practical Considerations
Businesses in Angola should implement internal policies and contractual agreements (e.g., NDAs) to protect trade secrets.
Maintaining secrecy through security measures and staff training is important to uphold protection.
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