Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) PPE Practice Exam

The correct answer is that trade secret protections can last as long as the secret is maintained. This means that there is no fixed expiration period for trade secrets, unlike patents, which expire after a set duration.

Trade secrets are protected as long as they provide a competitive advantage and the holder takes reasonable steps to keep the information confidential. This can include implementing non-disclosure agreements, limiting access to the secret, and enforcing strict security measures.

If the secret is disclosed or becomes publicly known, then the protection can be lost. In contrast, the other options present specific time frames that do not apply to trade secrets, as their protection is inherently tied to the ability to keep the information secret indefinitely rather than adhering to a defined timeline. This makes trade secret protection unique and valuable in certain industries where information plays a critical role in maintaining competitive advantage.