Meritas Capability Webinar - California’s Prohibition Against Non-Compete Agreements (B&P Code § 16600), the Protection of Trade Secrets and the Practical Relationship Between the Two
Zynga May Shed Light on Its Own Practices in Going After Former Employee for Trade Secrets Theft
As competition for talent and innovation intensifies in the tech sector, employers face heightened risks of trade secret theft and data misappropriation. Recent disputes between established tech companies and spin-off...more
The Federal Circuit recently confirmed the importance of properly identifying the trade secrets underlying a claim under the Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act (“OUTSA”) [Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1333.61 et seq.], finding that the...more
In a significant ruling, QUINTARA BIOSCIENCES, INC. V. RUIFENG BIZTECH, INC., No. 23-16093 (9th Cir. 2025), the Ninth Circuit distinguished the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act (“DTSA”) from California’s Uniform Trade Secrets...more
By Daniel M. Staren and Matthew Racioppo Following a jury award of $64 million dollars for trade secret misappropriation, the Federal Circuit recently affirmed a district court’s decision granting judgment as a matter of law...more
The Ninth Circuit’s recent decision in Quintara Biosciences, Inc. v. Ruifeng Biztech, Inc. underscores an important distinction in trade secret law between California’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act (“CUTSA”) [Cal. Civ. Code, §§...more
Welcome to WilmerHale’s bulletin on recent trade secret case law and relevant news items. We’ve affectionately nicknamed it “Readily Ascertainable” because, unlike a trade secret, it should be easy to figure out....more
For many lawyers practicing outside the United States, intellectual property protection and risk are most often associated with patents, trademarks and copyrights. Trade secrets are frequently treated as the forgotten...more
The Ninth Circuit recently held that the Defend Trade Secrets Act (“DTSA”) does not require plaintiffs to identify their allegedly misappropriate trade secrets with reasonable particularity at the outset of discovery—much...more
Nearly all employers maintain confidential or protected personal information, and many also maintain trade secrets and other confidential business information. Most of these employers also should – and typically do – enact...more
Trade secret litigation under the Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) continues to evolve within the Ninth Circuit....more
On August 12, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed a district court ruling striking certain trade secrets asserted by a plaintiff on the grounds that the plaintiff had not spelled out its trade...more
The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit found that a district court abused its discretion by striking several of the plaintiff’s trade secrets, concluding that the court improperly relied on Rule 12(f) and failed to...more
In an August 12, 2025 decision, the Ninth Circuit emphasized important differences between the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act (“DTSA”) and the California Uniform Trade Secrets Act (“CUTSA”)—differences which might...more
The Tenth Circuit recently upheld an Oklahoma District Court’s summary judgment ruling in favor of a trade secret defendant based on insufficient specificity as to the trade secrets at issue, as well as a lack of proper...more
On April 22, 2025, the Tenth Circuit affirmed summary judgment in favor of a sales manager and his new employer on claims under the Defend Trade Secrets Act (“DTSA”), the Oklahoma Uniform Trade Secrets Act (“OUTSA”), and...more
For companies, maintaining a competitive advantage over the market is necessary for long-term growth. In many cases, this competitive advantage takes the form of a federal- or state-protected trade secret, such as a...more
A recent federal district court ruling serves as an important reminder that a former employee may be held liable for trade secret misappropriation even if the alleged trade secrets are not physically or electronically taken...more
The decision creates an additional tool for protecting corporate information and trade secrets. The Virginia Supreme Court affirmed the trial court’s conviction of Taylor Amil Wallace for computer fraud, with three judges...more
Trade secrets are the lifeblood of any business. Across industries and states, companies safeguard a wealth of critical information that provides a competitive edge. Perhaps the most famous example is Coca-Cola’s secret...more
A temporary restraining order (“TRO”) followed by a preliminary injunction is often essential for a company to maintain the trade secrets status of its information that is being misappropriated. Typically, once the...more
To protect its data and better compete in the market, an organization must treat its data as an intellectual property. That means understanding the different intellectual property regimes and their accompanying requirements....more
Understanding the definition of a trade secret under federal law is crucial for businesses looking to protect their valuable information. Trade secrets are also defined by state law. While there is no single, universal...more