Definitive global law guides offering comparative analysis from top-ranked lawyers
INTRODUCTION | 5 |
Contributed by Simon Bushell, Gareth Keillor and Maitreyee Dixit, Seladore Legal | 5 |
AUSTRALIA | 10 |
Law and Practice | 10 |
Contributed by Gilbert + Tobin | 10 |
Trends and Developments | 32 |
Contributed by Gilbert + Tobin | 32 |
CHINA | 40 |
Law and Practice | 40 |
Contributed by CCPIT Patent and Trademark Law Office | 40 |
Trends and Developments | 59 |
Contributed by AllBright Law Offices | 59 |
CHINA – BEIJING | 65 |
Trends and Developments | 65 |
Contributed by Jingtian & Gongcheng | 65 |
GERMANY | 74 |
Law and Practice | 74 |
Contributed by SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz | 74 |
Trends and Developments | 96 |
Contributed by SZA Schilling, Zutt & Anschütz | 96 |
INDIA | 105 |
Law and Practice | 105 |
Contributed by Anand and Anand | 105 |
ITALY | 130 |
Law and Practice | 130 |
Contributed by EY Tax & Law | 130 |
Trends and Developments | 153 |
Contributed by EY Tax & Law | 153 |
JAPAN | 157 |
Law and Practice | 157 |
Contributed by Anderson Mori & Tomotsune | 157 |
Trends and Developments | 173 |
Contributed by TMI Associates | 173 |
MEXICO | 181 |
Law and Practice | 181 |
Contributed by BC&B Law & Business | 181 |
Trends and Developments | 199 |
Contributed by BC&B Law & Business | 199 |
SOUTH KOREA | 205 |
Law and Practice | 205 |
Contributed by Yoon & Yang LLC | 205 |
UK | 226 |
Law and Practice | 226 |
Contributed by Kirkland & Ellis International LLP | 226 |
USA | 248 |
Law and Practice | 248 |
Contributed by Kirkland & Ellis LLP | 248 |
USA | 272 |
Trends and Developments | 272 |
Contributed by Seyfarth Shaw LLP | 272 |
1. Legal Framework | 14 |
1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets | 14 |
1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret | 15 |
1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets | 15 |
1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection | 15 |
1.5 Reasonable Measures | 15 |
1.6 Disclosure to Employees | 15 |
1.7 Independent Discovery | 16 |
1.8 Computer Software and Technology | 16 |
1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets | 16 |
1.10 Licensing | 16 |
1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights | 16 |
1.12 Overlapping IP Rights | 17 |
1.13 Other Legal Theories | 17 |
1.14 Criminal Liability | 17 |
1.15 Extraterritoriality | 17 |
2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets | 18 |
2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation | 18 |
2.2 Employee Relationships | 18 |
2.3 Joint Ventures | 18 |
2.4 Industrial Espionage | 18 |
3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation | 19 |
3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets | 19 |
3.2 Exit Interviews | 19 |
4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation | 19 |
4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise | 19 |
4.2 New Employees | 20 |
5. Trade Secret Litigation | 20 |
5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit | 20 |
5.2 Limitations Period | 20 |
5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit | 20 |
5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts | 20 |
5.5 Initial Pleading Standards | 21 |
5.6 Seizure Mechanisms | 21 |
5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence | 21 |
5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating | 22 |
5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation | 22 |
5.10 Dispositive Motions | 23 |
5.11 Cost of Litigation | 23 |
6. Trial | 23 |
6.1 Bench or Jury Trial | 23 |
6.2 Trial Process | 23 |
6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses | 24 |
7. Remedies | 24 |
7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief | 24 |
7.2 Measures of Damages | 25 |
7.3 Permanent Injunction | 26 |
7.4 Attorneys’ Fees | 26 |
7.5 Costs | 27 |
8. Appeal | 27 |
8.1 Appellate Procedure | 27 |
8.2 Factual or Legal Review | 28 |
9. Criminal Offences | 29 |
9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences | 29 |
10. Alternative Dispute Resolution | 30 |
10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms | 30 |
1. Legal Framework | 44 |
1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets | 44 |
1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret | 44 |
1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets | 44 |
1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection | 45 |
1.5 Reasonable Measures | 45 |
1.6 Disclosure to Employees | 45 |
1.7 Independent Discovery | 46 |
1.8 Computer Software and Technology | 46 |
1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets | 46 |
1.10 Licensing | 46 |
1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights | 46 |
1.12 Overlapping IP Rights | 47 |
1.13 Other Legal Theories | 47 |
1.14 Criminal Liability | 48 |
1.15 Extraterritoriality | 48 |
2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets | 49 |
2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation | 49 |
2.2 Employee Relationships | 49 |
2.3 Joint Ventures | 49 |
2.4 Industrial Espionage | 49 |
3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation | 49 |
3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets | 49 |
3.2 Exit Interviews | 50 |
4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation | 50 |
4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise | 50 |
4.2 New Employees | 51 |
5. Trade Secret Litigation | 51 |
5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit | 51 |
5.2 Limitations Period | 51 |
5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit | 51 |
5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts | 52 |
5.5 Initial Pleading Standards | 52 |
5.6 Seizure Mechanisms | 52 |
5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence | 53 |
5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating | 53 |
5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation | 53 |
5.10 Dispositive Motions | 54 |
5.11 Cost of Litigation | 54 |
6. Trial | 54 |
6.1 Bench or Jury Trial | 54 |
6.2 Trial Process | 54 |
6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses | 55 |
7. Remedies | 55 |
7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief | 55 |
7.2 Measures of Damages | 56 |
7.3 Permanent Injunction | 56 |
7.4 Attorneys’ Fees | 56 |
7.5 Costs | 56 |
8. Appeal | 57 |
8.1 Appellate Procedure | 57 |
8.2 Factual or Legal Review | 57 |
9. Criminal Offences | 57 |
9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences | 57 |
10. Alternative Dispute Resolution | 57 |
10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms | 57 |
1. Legal Framework | 78 |
1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets | 78 |
1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret | 78 |
1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets | 78 |
1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection | 79 |
1.5 Reasonable Measures | 79 |
1.6 Disclosure to Employees | 80 |
1.7 Independent Discovery | 80 |
1.8 Computer Software and Technology | 80 |
1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets | 81 |
1.10 Licensing | 81 |
1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights | 81 |
1.12 Overlapping IP Rights | 82 |
1.13 Other Legal Theories | 82 |
1.14 Criminal Liability | 82 |
1.15 Extraterritoriality | 83 |
2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets | 84 |
2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation | 84 |
2.2 Employee Relationships | 85 |
2.3 Joint Ventures | 85 |
2.4 Industrial Espionage | 86 |
3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation | 86 |
3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets | 86 |
3.2 Exit Interviews | 87 |
4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation | 87 |
4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise | 87 |
4.2 New Employees | 87 |
5. Trade Secret Litigation | 88 |
5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit | 88 |
5.2 Limitations Period | 88 |
5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit | 88 |
5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts | 88 |
5.5 Initial Pleading Standards | 88 |
5.6 Seizure Mechanisms | 89 |
5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence | 89 |
5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating | 89 |
5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation | 90 |
5.10 Dispositive Motions | 90 |
5.11 Cost of Litigation | 91 |
6. Trial | 91 |
6.1 Bench or Jury Trial | 91 |
6.2 Trial Process | 91 |
6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses | 91 |
7. Remedies | 92 |
7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief | 92 |
7.2 Measures of Damages | 92 |
7.3 Permanent Injunction | 92 |
7.4 Attorneys’ Fees | 92 |
7.5 Costs | 93 |
8. Appeal | 93 |
8.1 Appellate Procedure | 93 |
8.2 Factual or Legal Review | 93 |
9. Criminal Offences | 94 |
9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences | 94 |
10. Alternative Dispute Resolution | 94 |
10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms | 94 |
1. Legal Framework | 109 |
1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets | 109 |
1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret | 110 |
1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets | 112 |
1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection | 112 |
1.5 Reasonable Measures | 113 |
1.6 Disclosure to Employees | 113 |
1.7 Independent Discovery | 114 |
1.8 Computer Software and Technology | 114 |
1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets | 114 |
1.10 Licensing | 115 |
1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights | 115 |
1.12 Overlapping IP Rights | 116 |
1.13 Other Legal Theories | 116 |
1.14 Criminal Liability | 117 |
1.15 Extraterritoriality | 117 |
2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets | 117 |
2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation | 117 |
2.2 Employee Relationships | 118 |
2.3 Joint Ventures | 118 |
2.4 Industrial Espionage | 118 |
3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation | 119 |
3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets | 119 |
3.2 Exit Interviews | 119 |
4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation | 120 |
4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise | 120 |
4.2 New Employees | 120 |
5. Trade Secret Litigation | 120 |
5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit | 120 |
5.2 Limitations Period | 121 |
5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit | 121 |
5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts | 121 |
5.5 Initial Pleading Standards | 122 |
5.6 Seizure Mechanisms | 122 |
5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence | 123 |
5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating | 123 |
5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation | 123 |
5.10 Dispositive Motions | 123 |
5.11 Cost of Litigation | 124 |
6. Trial | 125 |
6.1 Bench or Jury Trial | 125 |
6.2 Trial Process | 125 |
6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses | 125 |
7. Remedies | 125 |
7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief | 125 |
7.2 Measures of Damages | 126 |
7.3 Permanent Injunction | 126 |
7.4 Attorneys’ Fees | 127 |
7.5 Costs | 127 |
8. Appeal | 127 |
8.1 Appellate Procedure | 127 |
8.2 Factual or Legal Review | 128 |
9. Criminal Offences | 128 |
9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences | 128 |
10. Alternative Dispute Resolution | 129 |
10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms | 129 |
1. Legal Framework | 134 |
1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets | 134 |
1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret | 135 |
1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets | 135 |
1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection | 135 |
1.5 Reasonable Measures | 136 |
1.6 Disclosure to Employees | 136 |
1.7 Independent Discovery | 136 |
1.8 Computer Software and Technology | 137 |
1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets | 137 |
1.10 Licensing | 138 |
1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights | 138 |
1.12 Overlapping IP Rights | 139 |
1.13 Other Legal Theories | 139 |
1.14 Criminal Liability | 140 |
1.15 Extraterritoriality | 140 |
2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets | 141 |
2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation | 141 |
2.2 Employee Relationships | 141 |
2.3 Joint Ventures | 142 |
2.4 Industrial Espionage | 142 |
3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation | 142 |
3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets | 142 |
3.2 Exit Interviews | 143 |
4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation | 144 |
4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise | 144 |
4.2 New Employees | 144 |
5. Trade Secret Litigation | 144 |
5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit | 144 |
5.2 Limitations Period | 145 |
5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit | 145 |
5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts | 145 |
5.5 Initial Pleading Standards | 145 |
5.6 Seizure Mechanisms | 146 |
5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence | 146 |
5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating | 147 |
5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation | 147 |
5.10 Dispositive Motions | 148 |
5.11 Cost of Litigation | 148 |
6. Trial | 148 |
6.1 Bench or Jury Trial | 148 |
6.2 Trial Process | 148 |
6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses | 149 |
7. Remedies | 149 |
7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief | 149 |
7.2 Measures of Damages | 149 |
7.3 Permanent Injunction | 150 |
7.4 Attorneys’ Fees | 150 |
7.5 Costs | 150 |
8. Appeal | 150 |
8.1 Appellate Procedure | 150 |
8.2 Factual or Legal Review | 151 |
9. Criminal Offences | 151 |
9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences | 151 |
10. Alternative Dispute Resolution | 152 |
10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms | 152 |
1. Legal Framework | 160 |
1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets | 160 |
1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret | 160 |
1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets | 160 |
1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection | 161 |
1.5 Reasonable Measures | 161 |
1.6 Disclosure to Employees | 161 |
1.7 Independent Discovery | 162 |
1.8 Computer Software and Technology | 162 |
1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets | 162 |
1.10 Licensing | 162 |
1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights | 162 |
1.12 Overlapping IP Rights | 162 |
1.13 Other Legal Theories | 163 |
1.14 Criminal Liability | 163 |
1.15 Extraterritoriality | 163 |
2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets | 163 |
2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation | 163 |
2.2 Employee Relationships | 164 |
2.3 Joint Ventures | 164 |
2.4 Industrial Espionage | 164 |
3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation | 165 |
3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets | 165 |
3.2 Exit Interviews | 165 |
4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation | 165 |
4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise | 165 |
4.2 New Employees | 166 |
5. Trade Secret Litigation | 166 |
5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit | 166 |
5.2 Limitations Period | 166 |
5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit | 167 |
5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts | 167 |
5.5 Initial Pleading Standards | 167 |
5.6 Seizure Mechanisms | 167 |
5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence | 167 |
5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating | 168 |
5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation | 169 |
5.10 Dispositive Motions | 169 |
5.11 Cost of Litigation | 169 |
6. Trial | 169 |
6.1 Bench or Jury Trial | 169 |
6.2 Trial Process | 169 |
6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses | 170 |
7. Remedies | 170 |
7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief | 170 |
7.2 Measures of Damages | 170 |
7.3 Permanent Injunction | 171 |
7.4 Attorneys’ Fees | 171 |
7.5 Costs | 171 |
8. Appeal | 171 |
8.1 Appellate Procedure | 171 |
8.2 Factual or Legal Review | 171 |
9. Criminal Offences | 172 |
9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences | 172 |
10. Alternative Dispute Resolution | 172 |
10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms | 172 |
1. Legal Framework | 185 |
1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets | 185 |
1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret | 185 |
1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets | 185 |
1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection | 185 |
1.5 Reasonable Measures | 185 |
1.6 Disclosure to Employees | 186 |
1.7 Independent Discovery | 186 |
1.8 Computer Software and Technology | 187 |
1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets | 187 |
1.10 Licensing | 187 |
1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights | 187 |
1.12 Overlapping IP Rights | 188 |
1.13 Other Legal Theories | 188 |
1.14 Criminal Liability | 188 |
1.15 Extraterritoriality | 189 |
2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets | 189 |
2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation | 189 |
2.2 Employee Relationships | 190 |
2.3 Joint Ventures | 190 |
2.4 Industrial Espionage | 190 |
3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation | 190 |
3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets | 190 |
3.2 Exit Interviews | 190 |
4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation | 191 |
4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise | 191 |
4.2 New Employees | 191 |
5. Trade Secret Litigation | 191 |
5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit | 191 |
5.2 Limitations Period | 192 |
5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit | 192 |
5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts | 192 |
5.5 Initial Pleading Standards | 192 |
5.6 Seizure Mechanisms | 193 |
5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence | 193 |
5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating | 193 |
5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation | 193 |
5.10 Dispositive Motions | 193 |
5.11 Cost of Litigation | 193 |
6. Trial | 194 |
6.1 Bench or Jury Trial | 194 |
6.2 Trial Process | 194 |
6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses | 194 |
7. Remedies | 194 |
7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief | 194 |
7.2 Measures of Damages | 195 |
7.3 Permanent Injunction | 195 |
7.4 Attorneys’ Fees | 196 |
7.5 Costs | 196 |
8. Appeal | 196 |
8.1 Appellate Procedure | 196 |
8.2 Factual or Legal Review | 196 |
9. Criminal Offences | 196 |
9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences | 196 |
10. Alternative Dispute Resolution | 198 |
10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms | 198 |
1. Legal Framework | 209 |
1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets | 209 |
1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret | 209 |
1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets | 209 |
1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection | 209 |
1.5 Reasonable Measures | 210 |
1.6 Disclosure to Employees | 210 |
1.7 Independent Discovery | 210 |
1.8 Computer Software and Technology | 210 |
1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets | 211 |
1.10 Licensing | 211 |
1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights | 211 |
1.12 Overlapping IP Rights | 212 |
1.13 Other Legal Theories | 212 |
1.14 Criminal Liability | 212 |
1.15 Extraterritoriality | 213 |
2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets | 213 |
2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation | 213 |
2.2 Employee Relationships | 214 |
2.3 Joint Ventures | 214 |
2.4 Industrial Espionage | 214 |
3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation | 215 |
3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets | 215 |
3.2 Exit Interviews | 215 |
4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation | 216 |
4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise | 216 |
4.2 New Employees | 216 |
5. Trade Secret Litigation | 217 |
5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit | 217 |
5.2 Limitations Period | 217 |
5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit | 217 |
5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts | 217 |
5.5 Initial Pleading Standards | 217 |
5.6 Seizure Mechanisms | 217 |
5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence | 218 |
5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating | 218 |
5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation | 219 |
5.10 Dispositive Motions | 219 |
5.11 Cost of Litigation | 220 |
6. Trial | 220 |
6.1 Bench or Jury Trial | 220 |
6.2 Trial Process | 220 |
6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses | 221 |
7. Remedies | 221 |
7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief | 221 |
7.2 Measures of Damages | 222 |
7.3 Permanent Injunction | 223 |
7.4 Attorneys’ Fees | 223 |
7.5 Costs | 223 |
8. Appeal | 224 |
8.1 Appellate Procedure | 224 |
8.2 Factual or Legal Review | 224 |
9. Criminal Offences | 224 |
9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences | 224 |
10. Alternative Dispute Resolution | 225 |
10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms | 225 |
1. Legal Framework | 230 |
1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets | 230 |
1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret | 230 |
1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets | 231 |
1.4 Elements of Trade Secret Protection | 232 |
1.5 Reasonable Measures | 232 |
1.6 Disclosure to Employees | 233 |
1.7 Independent Discovery | 234 |
1.8 Computer Software and Technology | 234 |
1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets | 234 |
1.10 Licensing | 234 |
1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights | 234 |
1.12 Overlapping IP Rights | 235 |
1.13 Other Legal Theories | 235 |
1.14 Criminal Liability | 235 |
1.15 Extraterritoriality | 235 |
2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets | 236 |
2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation | 236 |
2.2 Employee Relationships | 236 |
2.3 Joint Ventures | 236 |
2.4 Industrial Espionage | 237 |
3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation | 237 |
3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets | 237 |
3.2 Exit Interviews | 237 |
4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation | 238 |
4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise | 238 |
4.2 New Employees | 238 |
5. Trade Secret Litigation | 238 |
5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit | 238 |
5.2 Limitations Period | 239 |
5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit | 239 |
5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts | 239 |
5.5 Initial Pleading Standards | 239 |
5.6 Seizure Mechanisms | 240 |
5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence | 240 |
5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating | 241 |
5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation | 241 |
5.10 Dispositive Motions | 241 |
5.11 Cost of Litigation | 241 |
6. Trial | 242 |
6.1 Bench or Jury Trial | 242 |
6.2 Trial Process | 242 |
6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses | 242 |
7. Remedies | 242 |
7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief | 242 |
7.2 Measures of Damages | 243 |
7.3 Permanent Injunction | 244 |
7.4 Attorneys’ Fees | 245 |
7.5 Costs | 245 |
8. Appeal | 246 |
8.1 Appellate Procedure | 246 |
8.2 Factual or Legal Review | 246 |
9. Criminal Offences | 246 |
9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences | 246 |
10. Alternative Dispute Resolution | 247 |
10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms | 247 |
1. Legal Framework | 252 |
1.1 Sources of Legal Protection for Trade Secrets | 252 |
1.2 What Is Protectable as a Trade Secret | 252 |
1.3 Examples of Trade Secrets | 252 |
1.4 Elements of Trade Secrt Protection | 253 |
1.5 Reasonable Measures | 254 |
1.6 Disclosure to Employees | 254 |
1.7 Independent Discovery | 255 |
1.8 Computer Software and Technology | 255 |
1.9 Duration of Protection for Trade Secrets | 255 |
1.10 Licensing | 256 |
1.11 What Differentiates Trade Secrets From Other IP Rights | 256 |
1.12 Overlapping IP Rights | 256 |
1.13 Other Legal Theories | 257 |
1.14 Criminal Liability | 257 |
1.15 Extraterritoriality | 257 |
2. Misappropriation of Trade Secrets | 258 |
2.1 The Definition of Misappropriation | 258 |
2.2 Employee Relationships | 258 |
2.3 Joint Ventures | 258 |
2.4 Industrial Espionage | 259 |
3. Preventing Trade Secret Misappropriation | 259 |
3.1 Best Practices for Safeguarding Trade Secrets | 259 |
3.2 Exit Interviews | 259 |
4. Safeguarding Against Allegations of Trade Secret Misappropriation | 260 |
4.1 Pre-Existing Skills and Expertise | 260 |
4.2 New Employees | 260 |
5. Trade Secret Litigation | 260 |
5.1 Prerequisites to Filing a Lawsuit | 260 |
5.2 Limitations Period | 261 |
5.3 Initiating a Lawsuit | 261 |
5.4 Jurisdiction of the Courts | 262 |
5.5 Initial Pleading Standards | 262 |
5.6 Seizure Mechanisms | 263 |
5.7 Obtaining Information and Evidence | 264 |
5.8 Maintaining Secrecy While Litigating | 264 |
5.9 Defending Against Allegations of Misappropriation | 264 |
5.10 Dispositive Motions | 265 |
5.11 Cost of Litigation | 265 |
6. Trial | 266 |
6.1 Bench or Jury Trial | 266 |
6.2 Trial Process | 266 |
6.3 Use of Expert Witnesses | 266 |
7. Remedies | 267 |
7.1 Preliminary Injunctive Relief | 267 |
7.2 Measures of Damages | 267 |
7.3 Permanent Injunction | 268 |
7.4 Attorneys’ Fees | 269 |
7.5 Costs | 269 |
8. Appeal | 269 |
8.1 Appellate Procedure | 269 |
8.2 Factual or Legal Review | 270 |
9. Criminal Offences | 270 |
9.1 Prosecution Process, Penalties and Defences | 270 |
10. Alternative Dispute Resolution | 271 |
10.1 Dispute Resolution Mechanisms | 271 |
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