Theft of Trade Secrets

Trade secrets are confidential information that gives a business a competitive edge. These secrets include everything from commercial strategies to manufacturing and industrial know-how. A classic example is the guarded recipe for Coca-Cola, one of the most renowned trade secrets.

Someone using confidential business information without permission is stealing a trade secret. Protecting trade secrets falls under intellectual property or unfair competition laws. These laws vary depending on the specific jurisdiction's regulations.

Defining Trade Secrets

The definition of a trade secret will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. A trade secret is information a company protects to create a competitive advantage. The information must not be generally known or reasonably found by others to qualify as a trade secret.

Trade secrets include advertising strategies, sales methods, customer lists, and manufacturing processes. They also can be industry-specific, such as a company's food or drink recipe. Courts determine whether something is a trade secret on a case-by-case basis.

Trade Secrets vs. Patents

Trade secrets and patents are two different ways businesses can protect their valuable ideas. The advantage of trade secrets is that they don't have a time limit, as long as they stay a secret. However, they need strong internal protection to prevent disclosure. Trade secrets become more difficult to enforce if someone else discovers them.

Patents are official certificates that grant a business exclusive rights to its invention for a limited time. Patents are typically valid for 20 years. This is like saying, "Hey, I made something new and no one else can use it without my permission." Patents are more suitable for things that can be easily explained and replicated, like a new gadget or a unique machine. The advantage is that once you have a patent, you can stop others from making, selling, or using your invention without your approval.

Choosing between trade secrets and patents depends on the situation. Some businesses prefer the secrecy and flexibility of trade secrets. Others might go for the legal protection and recognition that come with patents. It's like having different tools in a toolbox – you pick the one that fits the job best.

Methods of Stealing Trade Secrets

There are numerous different ways of illegally acquiring trade secrets, such as:

• Former Employee Theft: A former employee with access to sensitive company information may make a copy onto a USB drive before leaving the company. This could include proprietary software code, customer databases, or manufacturing processes.
• Social Engineering: A competitor could use social tactics to trick an employee into revealing confidential information. For example, posing as a vendor or client, they might gain access to information by tricking an employee into giving it.
• Hacking and Cyber Espionage: Cybercriminals might hack into a company's network to steal valuable trade secrets. This could involve sophisticated techniques like phishing, malware, or ransomware attacks.
• Corporate Espionage: A competitor might hire a spy to infiltrate a target company, posing as an employee to gain insider access to trade secrets. This person could then collect and share confidential information with the competitor.
• Unauthorized Sharing on Social Media: Employees who want to benefit themselves might put trade secret info on their social media accounts. This could include details about upcoming product launches or marketing strategies.
• Misuse of Non-Disclosure Agreements: Employees might violate a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) by sharing secret information with third parties. This may include a competitor, a new employer, or unauthorized parties.
• Copying Trade Secrets onto Personal Devices: Before leaving the company, employees might copy important files onto personal devices. For example, copying customer lists or pricing info onto their laptops or smartphones.
• Recruitment of Insiders: Competitors might recruit employees from a target company to access valuable information. This could involve enticing offers or benefits.
• Dumpster Diving: People can steal trade secrets through physical actions. An example is going through a company's trash to find sensitive information documents.
• Unauthorized Use of Company Credentials: If ex-employees still have access to the computer systems, they might use their log-in details to get to your trade secrets even after leaving.

Ways to Protect Against the Theft of Trade Secrets

To reduce the risks of trade secret theft, small business owners can take several proactive steps:

• Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and Confidentiality Agreements: These contracts prohibit the disclosure of trade secret information during and after employment.
• Employee Training and Company Policies: Educate your workforce about the importance of trade secret protection. Develop comprehensive company policies that outline the proper protection of confidential information.
• Access Control and Audits: Put in place strict access controls to limit the number of individuals with access to trade secret information. Regular audits can help identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
• Monitoring and Detection: Use special tools to watch for strange or unauthorized actions linked to your secret information.
• Non-Compete Agreements: You can use non-compete agreements to stop ex-employees from hurting your business. It's essential to be careful and take steps to keep your trade secrets safe. Also, make sure only a few people know the secret and they know it's private.

Legal avenues are available for small business owners if trade secrets are stolen. The Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA) and the Economic Espionage Act of 1996 created laws addressing the theft of trade secrets. Law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Attorney General's office, can investigate and prosecute these cases.

Getting Legal Help

A theft of trade secrets can have devastating effects on your business. It can also feel like a personal betrayal. If you believe someone stole your trade secret or accused you of stealing trade secrets, you may want to get legal advice. A business and commercial attorney can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights.

For more information and resources related to this topic, you can visit FindLaw's Business Torts section.