Information that is reasonably discoverable by proper means may not be protected as a trade secret.Which of the following would not constitute "proper means"?

A) Independent invention of the secret
B) Observation of a publicly displayed product
C) Reverse engineering of an illegitimately acquired product
D) Published literature

Reverse Engineering

The process of dismantling and examining the details of a product or system to understand its design, architecture, and functionality.

Proper Means

Legitimate, legal methods employed to achieve a certain goal or fulfill an obligation, often contrasting with unethical practices.

Trade Secret

Information, including a formula, practice, process, design, instrument, pattern, or compilation of information, that is not generally known and is subject to efforts to maintain its secrecy.