California Trade Secrets | Protect Your Business with a Business Lawyer in Los Angeles

California follows the Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA, Civ.C. § 3426 et seq.). The CA UTSA states what constitutes a trade secret, outlines legal remedies for misappropriation, and establishes a statute of limitations for legal action. If you believe you have a potential case under the UTSA, it is best to contact a business lawyer in Los Angeles.

A trade secret can be any information that is not generally known or readily ascertainable by competitors. This includes formulas, patterns, designs, customer lists, software code, and more. To qualify as a trade secret, the information must have economic value and be subject to reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy. Civ.C. § 3426.1(d)

Trade secrets give companies a competitive advantage by providing valuable information that other businesses don’t have access to. California trade secrets are protected through various means, including nondisclosure agreements, employee training, and restrictive covenants. Some examples of trade secrets in California include the Coca-Cola recipe, the Google search algorithm, and the KFC seasoning blend

In the event of theft or misappropriation, companies can seek legal remedies, including recovery for damages for the actual loss caused by misappropriation and unjust enrichment caused by misappropriation that was not taken into account in computing damages for actual loss. If actual damages or unjust enrichment caused by misappropriation are not provable, the court may order payment of a reasonable royalty for a period that is no longer than the period of time the use could have been prohibited. The Court may also grant double damages if willful and malicious misappropriation exists(Cal.Civ.Code § 3426.3).

To protect your company’s trade secrets, it’s important to have comprehensive policies and procedures in place. This includes employee agreements, secure storage of information, and regular training on the importance of confidentiality. It’s also wise to consult with legal professionals to ensure that you are taking appropriate measures to safeguard your valuable information.

California trade secrets are essential assets for many businesses. With strong legal protections and best practices for safeguarding information, companies can maintain their competitive edge and continue to innovate. By understanding the importance of trade secrets, businesses can thrive in today’s fast-paced and competitive marketplace. Whether you are starting a new business or looking to protect assets of an existing business, a business litigation attorney can assist you in ensuring your trade secrets are protected.

TRUSTED BUSINESS LITIGATION LAWYER IN LOS ANGELES

Amanda Rokita’s knowledge and experience in business litigation assures that your legal matters will be handled with the utmost care. At Rokita Law, our experienced team commits to offering you the best possible service, assuring you that your case is in good hands. Schedule a consultation today to see how our team can help you navigate the complex world of business litigation. 

Rokita Law, P.C. provides the content on this post for informational purposes only. The information should not be construed as, nor is intended to be, legal advice.⁠ Results may vary. This is not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your case. Posts are for educational purposes only and are based on California law only, except for trademarks and copyrights filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).⁠