Misappropriation of Trade Secrets

Trade secrets – which are defined as valuable, confidential business information that derive their value from not being known to competitors – are among your company’s most valuable assets. Businesses in California frequently are faced with situations either in which one of their former employees or a competitor has attempted to usurp their confidential trade secrets, or in which they have hired a new employee, only to receive correspondence threatening legal action for the alleged misappropriation of a competitor’s trade secrets. The misappropriation of its trade secrets can be financially crippling to a business, as can the costs of defending a meritless misappropriation of trade secrets claim.

The California Uniform Trade Secrets Act (“CUTSA”) and the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act (“DTSA”) provide entities with protection from misappropriation of trade secrets. The statutes not only define key terms such as “misappropriation” and “trade secret,” but also address such issues as injunctive relief, damages, attorney’s fees, methods to preserve trade secrets, the applicable limitations period, their effect on other statutes, statutory construction and application. For example, because of its breadth, courts have determined that claims alleged under other state statutory or tort causes of action may be statutorily superseded by CUTSA to the extent that such claims are based upon the same nucleus of facts as the misappropriation of trade secret claim.

Whether the misappropriation of your valuable trade secrets by a former employee or competitor has threatened your business or you face a misappropriation of trade secrets claim asserted by a competitor, the Law Offices of Craig Hubble offers the extensive experience and familiarity in litigating misappropriation of trade secret claims necessary to protect your interests. We offer the skill and results more commonly associated with larger law firms; however, we are uniquely positioned to offer custom-designed fee arrangements that larger firms are unable to offer to help ensure that you achieve your business goals.

Although based in the Los Angeles area, our practice extends throughout California state and federal courts. We employ a hands-on, dedicated approach to every matter, and we believe that it is vital that you get the personal attention and tireless, high quality representation that you genuinely deserve. We are committed to efficiently protecting your rights and to obtaining the best result for you, while trying to minimize the disruption to your business. By understanding your business objectives and constantly keeping you updated, we enable you to make informed business decisions as to all aspects of the litigation.

If a competitor’s misappropriation of your trade secrets threatens your business or you are the target of a misappropriation of trade secrets claim, contact us today for a free consultation as to your rights and potential remedies/defenses.