Trade secrets are often a company's most valuable assets. Learn how to protect them and what to do if they're stolen or misappropriated.
Expert information to help you understand your rights and options
Trade secrets protect valuable business information not generally known—customer lists, formulas, processes, and strategies. Unlike patents, trade secrets require ongoing protection efforts. Learn what qualifies as a trade secret, protection requirements, and remedies when secrets are stolen.
Non-compete agreements and trade secret protection serve related but distinct purposes—non-competes restrict where employees work while trade secret law protects specific information. Enforceability varies by state. Understand how these tools interact, recent non-compete restrictions, and effective drafting.
Trade secret misappropriation occurs when someone acquires secrets through improper means or breaches confidentiality. Proving misappropriation requires showing the information was actually secret and adequately protected. Learn claim elements, evidence requirements, and available remedies.
The Defend Trade Secrets Act provides a federal cause of action for trade secret misappropriation, with powerful remedies including seizure orders and potential treble damages. Learn DTSA requirements, relationship to state law claims, and how federal law changed trade secret litigation.
Trade secret protection requires reasonable measures—NDAs, access controls, employee training, and exit procedures. Inadequate protection can defeat misappropriation claims. Learn how to identify protectable information, implement protective measures, and prepare for when employees leave.