Trade Secrets

A trade secret is a type of intellectual property such as a formula, process, system, data, or other confidential  information that gives its owner a competitive advantage.  A trade secret derives its value, in part, from being kept secret.

One of the most famous examples of a trade secret is the recipe for Coca-Cola. 

Trade secrets are protected differently than patents, trademarks and copyrights.  Protection for trade secrets is non-disclosure — the information must be kept confidential.

Our services in the area of trade secrets include:

• Counsel regarding protection of trade secrets
• Development and implementation of trade secret protection policies and plans
• Agreements to protect and/or leverage trade secrets, including nondisclosure agreements, employment agreements, independent contractor and development/ownership agreements