Protection of Confidential Information and The Competition Authorities – A South African Perspective

Nordely Wright , Product Developer- Plant and Soil Health, Oro Agri SA (Pty) Ltd., South Africa

The management of confidential information is key to maintain active competition between companies in the same market. Protocols for the management of confidential information need to be implemented by within company procedures in addition to the usual contractual undertakings. Protection of confidential information during dealings with competition authorities need to have a similar focussed approach. As a consequence of investigations and due procedure, sensitive and confidential information is disclosed to the competition authorities. Recent changes to the Competition Act may have implications for foreign investment in South Africa, as the risk of exposure of confidential information has now changed. It is incumbent on the holder of the confidential information to take the required steps to ensure confidential information is protected, even before any interaction with the competition authorities. This paper deals with the protection given to confidential information under the Act, and the circumstances in which access to a company’s confidential information may be exposed to a competitor.

Nordely Wright is a Product Developer at Oro Agri SA (Pty) Ltd. She holds a MSc Agric in Soil Science and often assists with technical review and also patent prosecution matters. She has a passion for IP and recently completed a PG Dip in Intellectual Property Law at Stellenbosch University where she took a specific interest in researching Competition Law.

Oro Agri SA (Pty) Ltd. develops and manufactures patented surfactants, pesticides, soil-improvers and foliar feeds for agricultural, home and industrial applications worldwide. Our products have a low impact on the environment, while providing an effective yet residue-free solution to our clients.