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Ohio Revised Code

Ohio Rev. Code § 1333.61 (2026)

Uniform trade secrets act definitions

✓ current as of May 2026
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Effective:
July 20, 1994
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 320 - 120th General Assembly
PDF:
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As used in sections 1333.61 to 1333.69 of the Revised Code, unless the context requires otherwise:

(A) "Improper means" includes theft, bribery, misrepresentation, breach or inducement of a breach of a duty to maintain secrecy, or espionage through electronic or other means.

(B) "Misappropriation" means any of the following:

(1) Acquisition of a trade secret of another by a person who knows or has reason to know that the trade secret was acquired by improper means;

(2) Disclosure or use of a trade secret of another without the express or implied consent of the other person by a person who did any of the following:

(a) Used improper means to acquire knowledge of the trade secret;

(b) At the time of disclosure or use, knew or had reason to know that the knowledge of the trade secret that the person acquired was derived from or through a person who had utilized improper means to acquire it, was acquired under circumstances giving rise to a duty to maintain its secrecy or limit its use, or was derived from or through a person who owed a duty to the person seeking relief to maintain its secrecy or limit its use;

(c) Before a material change of their position, knew or had reason to know that it was a trade secret and that knowledge of it had been acquired by accident or mistake.

(C) "Person" has the same meaning as in division (C) of section 1.59 of the Revised Code and includes governmental entities.

(D) "Trade secret" means information, including the whole or any portion or phase of any scientific or technical information, design, process, procedure, formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, or improvement, or any business information or plans, financial information, or listing of names, addresses, or telephone numbers, that satisfies both of the following:

(1) It derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use.

(2) It is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 252 cases (122 in the last 5 years), 1996–2026 · leading case: State ex rel. Plain Dealer v. Ohio Dept. of Ins., 687 N.E.2d 661 (Ohio 1997).
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State ex rel. Plain Dealer v. Ohio Dept. of Ins., 687 N.E.2d 661 (Ohio 1997). · cites it 20× “R.C. 1333.61 et seq., the Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act, enacted on July 20, 1994, and still in effect, provides for civil remedies for the misappropriation of trade secret information.”
Kendall Holdings, Ltd. v. Eden Cryogenics LLC, 630 F. Supp. 2d 853 (S.D. Ohio 2008). · cites it 13× “# 15), which asks the Court to enjoin Defendants from: 1) selling, advertising, or producing any product derived through the use of any of [Plaintiffs] confidential and proprietary information, including, but not limited to shop drawings, pricing information and customer lists…”
Thermodyn Corp. v. 3M Co., 593 F. Supp. 2d 972 (N.D. Ohio 2008). · cites it 13× “Count Four: Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act — R.C. §§ 1333.61, et seq. Plaintiff claims Defendants Kaufman and 3M/Dyneon misappropriated information constituting trade secrets.”
Al Minor & Assocs., Inc. v. Martin, 117 Ohio St. 3d 58 (Ohio 2008). · cites it 12× “” {¶ 2} Thus, the issue here concerns whether the use of a memorized client list can be the basis of a trade secret violation pursuant to Ohio’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act (“UTSA”), R.C. 1333.61 et seq. After review, we have concluded that the client information at issue in this…”
In re Review of the Alt. Energy Rider Contained in the Tariffs of Ohio Edison Co., 106 N.E.3d 1 (Ohio 2018). · cites it 9× “R.C. 1333.61(D) defines "trade secret" as information that satisfies both of the following: (1) It derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain…”
Deboer Structures (U.S.A.) Inc. v. Shaffer Tent & Awning Co., 233 F. Supp. 2d 934 (S.D. Ohio 2002). · cites it 14× “Plaintiffs assert claims against these Defendants for conspiracy to breach fiduciary duties (Count II); fraud (Count III); conspiracy to defraud (Count IV); violation of the Ohio Trade Secrets Act, R.C. § 1333.61 (Count V);tortious interference with contract (Count VI);…”
Glasstech, Inc. v. TGL Tempering Sys., Inc., 50 F. Supp. 2d 722 (N.D. Ohio 1999). · cites it 12× “However, Plaintiffs complaint also contains claims under the Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act, Ohio Rev.Code § 1333.61 et seg., in addition to the claims of common law misuse and misappropriation of trade secrets, quasi-contract/quantum meruit, unjust enrichment and unfair…”
State ex rel. Besser v. Ohio State Univ., 721 N.E.2d 1044 (Ohio 2000). · cites it 9× “Effective July 20,1994, the General Assembly enacted the Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act, R.C. 1333.61 through 1333.69, which provides for civil remedies, i.”
Allied Erecting & Dismantling Co. v. Genesis Equip. & Mfg., Inc., 649 F. Supp. 2d 702 (N.D. Ohio 2009). · cites it 8× “highly confidential documentation upon the termination of his employment, and in disclosing it to Genesis” — misappropriated its trade secrets in violation of Ohio’s Uniform Trade Secret Act (“UTSA”), Ohio Revised Code § 1333.61 et seq. (Compl. ¶ 60.) Aided further alleges that…”
Hanneman Fam. Funeral Home & Crematorium v. Orians, 2023 Ohio 3687 (Ohio 2023). · cites it 13× “] Trade secrets—Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act, R.C. 1333.61 through 1333.69— Preemption—Information is a trade secret protected by Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act only if it has independent value because it is not generally known to and readily ascertainable by others and the…”
Curcio Webb LLC v. Nat'l Benefit Programs Agency, Inc., 367 F. Supp. 2d 1191 (S.D. Ohio 2005). · cites it 10× “Count III — Misappropriation of Trade Secrets under Ohio Rev.Code § 1333.61 et seq. and Common Law 21 Under Ohio’s version of the Uni *1204 form Trade Secrets Act, a party seeking trade secret protection must demonstrate that the purported trade secret: “(1) has independent…”
State ex rel. Besser v. Ohio State Univ., 732 N.E.2d 373 (Ohio 2000). · cites it 6× “R.C. 1333.61(D), part of Ohio’s adoption of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, defines “trade secret” to include “any information, including * * * any business information or plans, financial information, or listing of names * * * that satisfies both of the following: “(1) It…”
Show all 252 citing cases →
— Ohio Rev. Code § 1333.61(A) — 22 cases
Glasstech, Inc. v. TGL Tempering Sys., Inc., 50 F. Supp. 2d 722 (N.D. Ohio 1999). “However, Plaintiffs complaint also contains claims under the Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act, Ohio Rev.Code § 1333.61 et seg., in addition to the claims of common law misuse and misappropriation of trade secrets, quasi-contract/quantum meruit, unjust enrichment and unfair…”
Kendall Holdings, Ltd. v. Eden Cryogenics, LLC, 521 F. App'x 453 (6th Cir. 2013).
Deboer Structures (U.S.A.) Inc. v. Shaffer Tent & Awning Co., 233 F. Supp. 2d 934 (S.D. Ohio 2002). “Plaintiffs assert claims against these Defendants for conspiracy to breach fiduciary duties (Count II); fraud (Count III); conspiracy to defraud (Count IV); violation of the Ohio Trade Secrets Act, R.C. § 1333.61 (Count V);tortious interference with contract (Count VI);…”
R.C. Olmstead, Inc. v. CU Interface, LLC, 657 F. Supp. 2d 878 (N.D. Ohio 2009).
Allied Erecting & Dismantling Co. v. Genesis Equip. & Mfg., Inc., 805 F.3d 701 (6th Cir. 2015).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 1333.61(A)(1) — 1 case
Buckeye Wellness Consultants, L.L.C. v. Hall, 2022 Ohio 1602 (Ohio Ct. App. 2022).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 1333.61(B) — 42 cases
Kendall Holdings, Ltd. v. Eden Cryogenics LLC, 630 F. Supp. 2d 853 (S.D. Ohio 2008). “# 15), which asks the Court to enjoin Defendants from: 1) selling, advertising, or producing any product derived through the use of any of [Plaintiffs] confidential and proprietary information, including, but not limited to shop drawings, pricing information and customer lists…”
R.C. Olmstead, Inc. v. CU Interface, LLC, 657 F. Supp. 2d 878 (N.D. Ohio 2009).
Thermodyn Corp. v. 3M Co., 593 F. Supp. 2d 972 (N.D. Ohio 2008). “Count Four: Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act — R.C. §§ 1333.61, et seq. Plaintiff claims Defendants Kaufman and 3M/Dyneon misappropriated information constituting trade secrets.”
Allied Erecting & Dismantling Co. v. Genesis Equip. & Mfg., Inc., 649 F. Supp. 2d 702 (N.D. Ohio 2009). “highly confidential documentation upon the termination of his employment, and in disclosing it to Genesis” — misappropriated its trade secrets in violation of Ohio’s Uniform Trade Secret Act (“UTSA”), Ohio Revised Code § 1333.61 et seq. (Compl. ¶ 60.) Aided further alleges that…”
Deboer Structures (U.S.A.) Inc. v. Shaffer Tent & Awning Co., 233 F. Supp. 2d 934 (S.D. Ohio 2002). “Plaintiffs assert claims against these Defendants for conspiracy to breach fiduciary duties (Count II); fraud (Count III); conspiracy to defraud (Count IV); violation of the Ohio Trade Secrets Act, R.C. § 1333.61 (Count V);tortious interference with contract (Count VI);…”
— Ohio Rev. Code § 1333.61(B)(1) — 17 cases
Jacked Up, L.L.C. v. Sara Lee Corp., 854 F.3d 797 (5th Cir. 2017).
Thermodyn Corp. v. 3M Co., 593 F. Supp. 2d 972 (N.D. Ohio 2008). “Count Four: Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act — R.C. §§ 1333.61, et seq. Plaintiff claims Defendants Kaufman and 3M/Dyneon misappropriated information constituting trade secrets.”
AtriCure, Inc. v. Jian Meng, 12 F.4th 516 (6th Cir. 2021).
R.C. Olmstead, Inc. v. CU Interface, LLC, 657 F. Supp. 2d 878 (N.D. Ohio 2009).
Allied Erecting & Dismantling Co. v. Genesis Equip. & Mfg., Inc., 805 F.3d 701 (6th Cir. 2015).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 1333.61(B)(2) — 13 cases
Jacked Up, L.L.C. v. Sara Lee Corp., 854 F.3d 797 (5th Cir. 2017).
Mar Oil Co. v. Korpan, 973 F. Supp. 2d 775 (N.D. Ohio 2013).
Montrose Ford, Inc. v. Starn, 770 N.E.2d 76 (Ohio Ct. App. 2002).
Brosz ex rel. Big Lots, Inc. v. Fishman, 99 F. Supp. 3d 776 (S.D. Ohio 2015).
Novus Grp., LLC v. Prudential Fin. Inc. (S.D. Ohio 2019).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 1333.61(B)(2)(a) — 3 cases
Mid-Michigan Comput. Sys., Inc. v. Marc Glassman, Inc., 416 F.3d 505 (6th Cir. 2005).
Hair FX, Inc. v. Lodzinski (In Re Hair FX, Inc.), 322 B.R. 761 (Bankr. N.D. Ohio 2004).
List Indus. v. Umina. (S.D. Ohio 2021).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 1333.61(B)(2)(b) — 5 cases
Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. v. Yoder, 950 F. Supp. 1348 (S.D. Ohio 1997).
RECO Equip., Inc. v. Wilson (S.D. Ohio 2020).
PUI Audio, Inc. v. Van Den Broek (S.D. Ohio 2021).
MESA Indus., Inc. v. Charter Indus. Supply, Inc. (S.D. Ohio 2022).
Roy's Travel Bureau, Inc. v. Inspire Travel Grp., LLC (N.D. Ohio 2025).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 1333.61(C) — 2 cases
State ex rel. Besser v. Ohio State Univ., 721 N.E.2d 1044 (Ohio 2000). “Effective July 20,1994, the General Assembly enacted the Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act, R.C. 1333.61 through 1333.69, which provides for civil remedies, i.”
Alegre, Inc. v. Hyde Component Sales, Inc., 2022 Ohio 542 (Ohio Ct. App. 2022).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 1333.61(D) — 130 cases
State ex rel. Plain Dealer v. Ohio Dept. of Ins., 687 N.E.2d 661 (Ohio 1997). “R.C. 1333.61 et seq., the Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act, enacted on July 20, 1994, and still in effect, provides for civil remedies for the misappropriation of trade secret information.”
Al Minor & Assocs., Inc. v. Martin, 117 Ohio St. 3d 58 (Ohio 2008). “” {¶ 2} Thus, the issue here concerns whether the use of a memorized client list can be the basis of a trade secret violation pursuant to Ohio’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act (“UTSA”), R.C. 1333.61 et seq. After review, we have concluded that the client information at issue in this…”
Kendall Holdings, Ltd. v. Eden Cryogenics LLC, 630 F. Supp. 2d 853 (S.D. Ohio 2008). “# 15), which asks the Court to enjoin Defendants from: 1) selling, advertising, or producing any product derived through the use of any of [Plaintiffs] confidential and proprietary information, including, but not limited to shop drawings, pricing information and customer lists…”
Thermodyn Corp. v. 3M Co., 593 F. Supp. 2d 972 (N.D. Ohio 2008). “Count Four: Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act — R.C. §§ 1333.61, et seq. Plaintiff claims Defendants Kaufman and 3M/Dyneon misappropriated information constituting trade secrets.”
State ex rel. Besser v. Ohio State Univ., 732 N.E.2d 373 (Ohio 2000). “R.C. 1333.61(D), part of Ohio’s adoption of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, defines “trade secret” to include “any information, including * * * any business information or plans, financial information, or listing of names * * * that satisfies both of the following: “(1) It…”
— Ohio Rev. Code § 1333.61(D)(1) — 27 cases
State ex rel. Plain Dealer v. Ohio Dept. of Ins., 687 N.E.2d 661 (Ohio 1997). “R.C. 1333.61 et seq., the Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act, enacted on July 20, 1994, and still in effect, provides for civil remedies for the misappropriation of trade secret information.”
Kendall Holdings, Ltd. v. Eden Cryogenics LLC, 630 F. Supp. 2d 853 (S.D. Ohio 2008). “# 15), which asks the Court to enjoin Defendants from: 1) selling, advertising, or producing any product derived through the use of any of [Plaintiffs] confidential and proprietary information, including, but not limited to shop drawings, pricing information and customer lists…”
State ex rel. Besser v. Ohio State Univ., 732 N.E.2d 373 (Ohio 2000). “R.C. 1333.61(D), part of Ohio’s adoption of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, defines “trade secret” to include “any information, including * * * any business information or plans, financial information, or listing of names * * * that satisfies both of the following: “(1) It…”
Ret. Corp. of Am. v. Henning, 2019 Ohio 4589 (Ohio Ct. App. 2019).
In re Review of the Alt. Energy Rider Contained in the Tariffs of Ohio Edison Co., 106 N.E.3d 1 (Ohio 2018). “R.C. 1333.61(D) defines "trade secret" as information that satisfies both of the following: (1) It derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain…”
— Ohio Rev. Code § 1333.61(D)(2) — 16 cases
In re Review of the Alt. Energy Rider Contained in the Tariffs of Ohio Edison Co., 106 N.E.3d 1 (Ohio 2018). “R.C. 1333.61(D) defines "trade secret" as information that satisfies both of the following: (1) It derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain…”
State ex rel. Toledo Blade Co. v. Ohio Bureau of Workers' Comp., 832 N.E.2d 711 (Ohio 2005).
Kendall Holdings, Ltd. v. Eden Cryogenics LLC, 630 F. Supp. 2d 853 (S.D. Ohio 2008). “# 15), which asks the Court to enjoin Defendants from: 1) selling, advertising, or producing any product derived through the use of any of [Plaintiffs] confidential and proprietary information, including, but not limited to shop drawings, pricing information and customer lists…”
R.C. Olmstead, Inc. v. CU Interface, LLC, 657 F. Supp. 2d 878 (N.D. Ohio 2009).
Ret. Corp. of Am. v. Henning, 2019 Ohio 4589 (Ohio Ct. App. 2019).
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