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Protecting Your Business’s Secrets: A Guide to Trade Secrets

At Artie Pennington Law Offices, PLLC, we understand the importance of keeping your business’s secrets safe. From product formulas to customer lists, trade secrets are essential assets that can give your business a competitive advantage.

What Is A Trade Secret?

A trade secret is any information that is not generally known and that provides a competitive advantage to a business. This can include formulas, processes, designs, customer lists and other confidential information that gives your business a competitive edge. Unlike patents and trademarks, trade secrets are not registered with the government. Also, they can be protected indefinitely as long as they remain secret.

How Does A Trade Secret Differ From A Trademark?

A trademark is a symbol, word or phrase that identifies and distinguishes a product or service from those of other businesses. It is used to protect brand names, logos and slogans. In contrast, a trade secret is a type of intellectual property that protects confidential business information that is not generally known.

What Are Examples Of Trade Secrets?

Trade secrets can be found in all types of industries, from technology to food and beverage. Examples of trade secrets include:

  • The recipe for Coca-Cola
  • The algorithm used by Google’s search engine
  • The design and production process for Kevlar, a high-strength material used in bulletproof vests

Trade secrets allow these businesses to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

What Is The Uniform Trade Secrets Act?

The Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA) is a law that provides a legal framework for the protection of trade secrets in the United States. It defines what constitutes a trade secret, establishes the requirements for proving the misappropriation of a trade secret and outlines the remedies available for trade secret theft.

How Should Trade Secrets Be Protected?

To protect trade secrets, businesses should take steps to keep the information confidential. This can include limiting access to the information to only those who need to know, requiring employees to sign nondisclosure agreements and implementing security measures such as password protection and encryption.

What To Do If Someone Steals Your Trade Secrets?

If someone steals your trade secrets, you can take legal action to stop them and seek damages. This can include filing a lawsuit under the UTSA or other state or federal laws that protect trade secrets.

At Artie Pennington Law Offices, PLLC, we have extensive experience helping businesses protect their trade secrets. Our attorney will work with you to develop a strategy to keep your confidential information safe and secure.

Getting The Support You Need With Artie Pennington Law Offices, PLLC

Our attorney has years of experience in semiconductor and software design, development and consulting. This gives us a unique understanding of the value of the intellectual property and how to protect it. We are dedicated to providing creative solutions that meet our clients’ needs while minimizing risk.

Safeguard Your Secrets Now

If you have questions about trade secrets or need help protecting your confidential information, contact Artie Pennington Law Offices, PLLC, at 512-982-1190 or contact us online to make an appointment. We have offices in Kyle and Austin, Texas, and are here to help you succeed.