(1) This Act serves to protect trade secrets against their unauthorised acquisition, use and disclosure.
(2) Public-law requirements on the confidentiality, acquisition, use or disclosure of trade secrets take precedence.
(3) The following remain unaffected:
1. the protection under occupational and criminal law of trade secrets, unlawful disclosure of which is covered by section 203 of the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch),
2. the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and information under the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (OJ C 202 of 7.6.2016, p. 389), including respect for the freedom and pluralism of the media,
3. the autonomy of the social partners and their right to enter into collective agreements in accordance with existing European and national laws,
4. the rights and obligations deriving from employment relationships and the rights of workers’ representatives.