Protecting Confidential Information Through Litigation
When trade secret misappropriation occurs, litigation provides remedies to stop the harm and recover damages. Our Trade Secret Litigation practice represents clients in disputes under the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act and state trade secret laws.
DTSA Claims
The Defend Trade Secrets Act provides federal jurisdiction for trade secret claims. We pursue DTSA claims in federal court, leveraging uniform national standards and powerful remedies. DTSA provides injunctive relief, damages including exemplary damages for willful misappropriation, and attorneys' fees in exceptional cases.
State Law Claims
State trade secret laws, typically based on the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, provide additional or alternative remedies. We coordinate state and federal claims for maximum protection. We understand variations among state laws affecting strategy and remedies.
Emergency Relief
Trade secret cases often require immediate action. Ongoing misappropriation causes continuing harm that may be irreparable. We pursue temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions to halt misappropriation pending full adjudication. We present compelling evidence supporting urgent relief.
Employee Departure Cases
Many trade secret disputes involve departing employees taking confidential information to competitors. We handle disputes involving improper solicitation of customers or employees, use of confidential information at new employers, and breach of confidentiality agreements. We pursue claims against both former employees and their new employers.
Defense Representation
We defend against trade secret claims when clients are accused of misappropriation. We challenge whether information qualifies as trade secrets, contest allegations of misappropriation, and develop defenses including independent development and reverse engineering.
Damages
Trade secret damages can be substantial. We work with economists to prove actual losses, unjust enrichment, and reasonable royalty damages. We pursue exemplary damages for willful and malicious misappropriation.