Previous Area of Practice
A Trade Secret may be comprised of such things as a formula, design, pattern, instrument, or collection of information which is not readily ascertainable. The business with the trade secret may have an economic advantage over competitors. Trade secret law protects businesses with trade secrets. There are three factors that make up Trade Secret Law in California:
1) The information/item is not generally known to the public, and therefore, is secret.
2) Having the information/item must confer some type of economic benefit because it is a secret.
3) The information must have been subject to reasonable steps by the rightful holder of it to keep it secret.
Trade secrets, unlike patents or trademarks, are protected without registration and consequently, are protected regardless of procedural formalities. Trade secrets can be protected for an unlimited amount of time. With that being said, a company can often protect its trade secrets through non-compete and non-disclosure contracts with its employees. To know all the protections available under trade secret law usually requires the assistance of knowledgeable legal counsel.
If you have any questions about Trade Secret Protection California, please contact Mr. Gourde at (949) 825-6525.
