General legal information about contract terms in the UK, not legal advice.
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Confidential information

Confidential information is information that is not public and has been shared on the understanding that it will be kept secret — business plans, prices, customer lists, know-how. Contracts define it so both parties know what is protected.

Prepared by a retired English qualified solicitor (LLB, LLM) · reviewed · applies across the UK unless stated · how we draft

In more detail

A definition should be wide enough to protect what matters but not so wide that it becomes uncertain; standard exceptions cover information that is public or already known.

In Scotland

Breach of confidence is actionable in Scotland too; the usual remedy to stop a breach is interdict.

Put it into a contract

Be Contract Wise provides very powerful, carefully prepared tools to draft and review simple or complex contracts under the law of England and Wales or Scots law, explaining every clause in plain English.

England & Wales appScotland app

Reviewed 2026-09-24. General legal information, not legal advice.