Labor Law
Rules on Dismissing an Employee for Disclosing Work-Related Trade Secrets
This summary outlines the scope of protection for work-related secrets under Jordanian law and how they relate to employee duties and employer responsibilities. It also explains the circumstances permitting dismissal without notice and the key legal and procedural exceptions.
Updated: 26 March 2026
Prepared and reviewed by: Ashraf Al-Khawaja
Concept and Types of Work-Related Secrets
Work-related secrets comprise information that an employer keeps confidential because it distinguishes the business and affects consumer trust or competitive position; they may be industrial, commercial, financial or otherwise. For information to qualify as secret it should not be generally known, the right‑holder should have taken reasonable measures to protect it, and the employee’s knowledge must arise from or in the course of employment.
Legal Basis for the Employee's Non-Disclosure Obligation
Jordanian law recognizes the employee’s duty to preserve employer secrets both under labor legislation and general civil-law principles, while intellectual property rules allocate rights over innovations. This obligation does not require an express contractual clause to be binding, although written agreements on IP and inventions using employer resources remain important.
Dismissal Without Notice for Disclosure: Conditions and Limits
The Labor Law permits dismissal without notice when an employee discloses work secrets, but the employer must prove the disclosure conclusively; absent clear proof, dismissal may be deemed arbitrary. The sanction does not apply where disclosure occurred with the employer’s consent, was made to report a crime of public concern, or was necessary for giving testimony in court.
Practical Effects and Preventive Measures
In practice, pursuing dismissal for disclosure requires documented evidence and structured internal steps: written confidentiality policies, contractual confidentiality and IP clauses, access logs, and objective investigation procedures before dismissal. Disclosure may also give rise to civil liability unless an exception applies, and the employee may challenge an alleged arbitrary dismissal before labor courts.
Relevant Judicial Precedents
The Jordanian Court of Cassation has upheld employers’ right to dismiss employees who disclose trade secrets when supported by sufficient evidence, while retaining judicial oversight to prevent abuse. Examples cited in the source include rulings numbered 1066/2023, 3752/2018 and an appellate decision 910/2020, illustrating that proven disclosure can justify dismissal unless an applicable exception exists.
Legal notice
Notice: This summary is for general educational purposes and is based on a published source linked on the original page; it does not replace applicable statutory texts or consultation with a licensed lawyer. Please verify the original laws, amendments and applicable deadlines before taking any legal action.
Sources and references
Verify the official text and latest amendments before relying on this material professionally.