California trade secrets law has not changed drastically since 2005. If you have actual information to the contrary, by all means, point to it.

You're correct that there's more to it than just keeping something secret:

- It has to also be valuable because of the secrecy, so the number I'm thinking in my head doesn't count. But customer lists typically do have value because of secrecy.

- Trade secrecy can be destroyed if the secret gets out.

There's no reason to argue in the abstract. Here's how California law actually defines "trade secret" -- Civil Code 3426.1(d):

(d) “Trade secret” means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, or process, that:

(1) Derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to the public or to other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and

(2) Is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.

http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xh...