Blog Layout

What Types of Information can I Protect with a Trade Secret?

Protect with Trade Secret picIf you own a business or you have created a trade secret to be used by other parties, it is imperative that you protect your rights. Most states consider a trade secret to by a formula, device, pattern, idea, or process that is entitled to protection. The trade secret must meet the following two criteria:

  • It provides the owner of the data with an advantage over the competition in the marketplace, and
  • the information is being treated in a manner that can reasonably be expected to protect it from the public or competitors from learning about it through legal means.

There are a wide variety of different types of trade secrets. Below are a few examples:

  • Marketing strategies (such as a company’s new strategy for promoting a new product)
  • Computer programs or websites
  • Recipes (KFC’s secret recipe)
  • Formula for drinks (Coke, Pepsi, Gatorade, etc.)
  • Manufacturing techniques
  • Customer lists
  • Research (discovering a certain drug does/does not work)

The interesting thing about trade secrets is that YOU must take action to safeguard them. You do not register a trade secret with a government agency like you do with a patent, copyright or trademark. Instead, you must take action to keep the confidential information a secret. As long as your trade secret is kept a secret, it is protected.

The Swenson Law Firm is located in Orangevale and we proudly serve businesses of all sizes from all over the State of California. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with matters such as trademarks, defending lawsuits, business formation, contract negotiations, hiring employees, and protecting your intellectual property. With our years of complex business trial and litigation experience, we are an effective, efficient and affordable choice in representing you at the bargaining table and in the courtroom.

Share by: