San Diego Journal of Climate & Energy Law
Abstract
This Comment explores the tension between trade secret protections and the global demand for climate-related technologies, arguing that a more balanced approach is necessary to align intellectual property law with the public interest. By examining the limits of existing legal frameworks, such as the DTSA, this analysis will highlight how these laws prioritize proprietary interests over environmental needs. It will also propose regulatory strategies that could help bridge this gap, such as expanding compulsory licensing frameworks, implementing public-private partnerships, and introducing public interest exceptions specifically tailored to clean energy technologies. Ultimately, this comment aims to contribute to the ongoing conversation about how intellectual property law can be reimagined to support—not hinder—the fight against climate change.
In addition to legal analysis, this Comment will consider the broader economic and ethical implications of trade secret protections in the clean energy sector. While intellectual property rights are essential for encouraging innovation, they must also be compatible with the global imperative of reducing emissions. Balancing these interests will require not only legislative changes but also shifts in corporate strategy, international cooperation, and a rethinking of what it means to protect innovation in a world increasingly defined by the challenges of climate change.
Recommended Citation
Jacob Wright,
Unlocking Green Innovation: Navigating Trade Secret Law in the Quest for Sustainable Solutions,
17
San Diego J. Climate & Energy L.
175
(2026)
Available at:
https://digital.sandiego.edu/jcel/vol17/iss0/7