To stop a competitor from using a trade secret,the plaintiff must prove that a trade secret actually existed,the defendant acquired the trade secret unlawfully,and ________.

A) the trade secret is the plaintiff's sole intellectual property right
B) the inventor successfully patented the trade secret
C) the defendant published the trade secret
D) the defendant used the trade secret without the plaintiff's permission
E) the plaintiff had the trade secret for less than 20 years

Trade Secret

Information, including a formula, practice, process, design, instrument, pattern, or compilation of information, not generally known or reasonably ascertainable, by which a business can obtain an economic advantage over competitors or customers.

Unlawfully Acquired

Refers to assets or goods obtained in violation of the law.

Intellectual Property

Creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names, and images used in commerce.