THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF INDUSTRIAL TRADE SECRETS IN TANZANIA MAINLAND: LEGAL CHALLENGES, INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE AND REFORM PROSPECTS
This article examines the legal protection of industrial trade secrets in Tanzania Mainland, with particular attention to the adequacy of the existing legal framework, institutional and enforcement challenges and compliance with international standards. The article adopts a legal analytical approach and draws upon legislation, international instruments, scholarly literature and comparative legal developments. It argues that Tanzania does not operate a unified statutory regime specifically addressing industrial trade secrets. Instead, protection is dispersed among contractual obligations, employment law, competition law and common law principles of confidentiality. While these mechanisms may provide protection in particular circumstances, they leave important questions concerning definition, acquisition, use, disclosure, proof, remedies and enforcement insufficiently settled. The article recommends the development of a coherent legal framework for trade secrets, clarification of institutional responsibilities, strengthening of judicial and administrative capacity, and improvement of awareness among industrial enterprises. Such reforms would enhance legal certainty, encourage innovation and investment, and strengthen fair competition in Tanzania Mainland.
KEYWORDS: Industrial Trade Secrets, Confidential Information, Intellectual Property, TRIPS, Unfair Competition and Tanzania Mainland.
