Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018: Implementation of EU Trade Secrets Directive that defines and protects trade secrets and establishes remedies for breach. Critical for protecting confidential research information.
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Governs personal data processing, including cross-border transfers and data subject rights. Essential if research involves personal data processing.
Patents Act 1977: Key intellectual property legislation for protecting potentially patentable research innovations and inventions.
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Protects original works, designs, and other intellectual property that may arise from research activities.
Trade Marks Act 1994: Relevant for protecting any distinctive marks, names, or symbols associated with the research.
Law of Confidence: Common law principle protecting confidential information and establishing duties of confidence.
Freedom of Information Act 2000: Impacts information disclosure obligations, particularly relevant if any party is a public body or research institution.
Human Rights Act 1998: Ensures balance between privacy rights and freedom of expression in research context.
Competition Act 1998: Ensures that confidentiality restrictions in research agreements don't violate competition law principles.
Clinical Trials Regulations: Specific regulations governing clinical research, if applicable to the research scope.
