California · Health and Safety Code - HSC

HSC §110165: It is unlawful for any person to use to his or her own advantage, or to reveal to any person other than to the director, officers, employees, or authorized agents of this department, or to the courts

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to use for personal gain or disclose to unauthorized persons any trade secret information obtained under this law, except to authorized department officials, courts in judicial proceedings, or authorized FDA employees under strict confidentiality requirements.

Read the full statutory text

It is unlawful for any person to use to his or her own advantage, or to reveal to any person other than to the director, officers, employees, or authorized agents of this department, or to the courts when relevant in any judicial proceeding under this part, any information acquired under authority of this part concerning any method or process which as a trade secret is entitled to protection. However, the department may reveal trade secret information in connection with the responsibilities of the department under this part, to any employee of the federal Food and Drug Administration who is authorized in writing by the Chief of the Food and Drug Branch of the department or his or her designee to receive this type of information. The employee receiving this type of information shall be informed in writing of the prohibitions under this section, shall be informed in writing that the information provided contains trade secrets, as defined under state and federal law, and shall agree in writing to keep the information confidential.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

Facing this? Know exactly what happens next.

MOFRD turns this code section into your situation: the deadlines that apply to you, the forms your county uses, and the resolution paths people in your position actually take. Free for 3 days — no card required.

Start your matter free Ask Law Link about this code

This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.