Trade Secrets

Trade secrets are an integral part of many businesses, which depend on them to keep an advantage over competitors. These secrets are guarded by those that created and use them, and are sought after by those that don't have them.

Trade secrets are particularly important for technology companies, financial firms and manufacturing industries. While these companies are busy innovating and developing information, many other companies are looking to take short-cuts by using their same techniques or creations.

If your business has suffered a loss of trade secrets, is simply looking to ensure protection, or even stand accused of misappropriating trade secrets, contact Tony Malley, Attorney at Law. Mr. Malley has extensive experience in complex business litigation. He is dedicated to protecting the rights of his entrepreneurial clients and their business interests and would like to assist you.

What Constitutes a Trade Secret?

Trade secrets can be anything with independent economic value that are not widely known or easily obtained. They can include formulas, designs, practices, compiled information, or any other system which is generally not known outside the business.

While there are many famous trade secrets, such as the Coca-Cola formula, or the Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe, they are not all high profile or glamorous. The protection of trade secrets is generally decided by some of the following factors:

• The amount of effort and money spent by the business to develop the information
• The difficulty a competitor would encounter in producing the same information
• The extent to which the information is known or available outside the business
• The extent to which the information is known to employees
• Measures taken to protect the information
• The value of the trade secret to the business and to competitors

How Are Trade Secrets Protected?

The loss of trade secrets can have devastating effects on a business, which is why their protection and the enforcement of laws guarding against their theft should be a top priority for every business. There are a number of precautions employers can take to safeguard trade secrets, which can include:

• Limiting access to electronic data
• Securing trade secrets from prying eyes
• Use of non-competition and non-disclosure agreements

If properly drafted, a non-disclosure agreement will prohibit employees from using, disclosing or misappropriating the trade secrets.

Get the Legal Help You Need

Mr. Malley is ready to assist companies in protecting their trade secrets, either through creating non-disclosure agreements or litigating in the wake a theft of trade secrets. He is also able to successfully defend companies or individuals accused of misappropriating trade secrets.

Mr. Malley offers honest and open assessments for prospective clients. He will evaluate the details of your case and will thoroughly review your business matter. Based on his evaluation, he will tell you what he thinks of your case and will be honest about what you can expect. He will provide you will honest and straightforward representation while fighting aggressively to protect your interests.

To schedule a review of your case, contact Beaumont commercial litigation lawyer Mr. Malley today.