These Regulations implement provisions of Directive (EU) 2016/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on the protection of undisclosed know-how and business information (trade secrets) against their unlawful acquisition, use and disclosure (OJ L157, 15.6.2017, p.1) (“the Directive”). A number of the provisions of the Directive, in particular the provisions in Chapter II and Articles 6, 7 and 16, have been implemented in the United Kingdom by the principles of common law and equity relating to breach of confidence in confidential information, and by statute and court rules. These Regulations address those areas where gaps occur or where the implementation of the provisions of the Directive in the United Kingdom, across its jurisdictions, may be made more transparent and coherent.