Which of the following is TRUE regarding trade-secret protection? A trade secret is protected from unlawful appropriation by competitors as long as it is kept secret and consists of elements not generally known in the trade. A trade secret is protected from unlawful appropriation by competitors for 10 years so long as no competitor gains access to the secret through lawful means. A trade secret is protected from unlawful appropriation by competitors for 20 years so long as no competitor gains access to the secret through lawful or unlawful means. A trade secret is protected from unlawful appropriation by competitors for 30 years. A trade secret is protected from unlawful appropriation by competitors for 70 years.

A trade secret is protected from unlawful appropriation by competitors as long as it is kept secret and consists of elements not generally known in the trade.

Explanation:

Unlike the other option, the caveat in the first option is direct - as long as it is kept secret and consists of elements not generally known in the trade. The other options have overridden the caveat and went on to specify the number of years a trade secret could be protected. This is wrong.