TRADE SECRETS

A trade secret is a formula, pattern, physical device, idea, process, compilation of information or other information that 1) provides a business with a competitive advantage, and 2) is treated in a way that can reasonably be expected to prevent the public or competitors from learning about it, absent improper acquisition or theft.

You should consider trade secret protection if:

1. You are willing to accept the risk that your competitors may independently discover your innovations, your innovations are not easily subject to reverse engineering, you wish to keep your innovations secret for a time period longer than the period of enforceability of a patent, your innovations have independent value derived from the fact that they are secret, and you are willing to take steps to identify trade secrets and to protect the secrecy of these secrets.

2. Your business depends on a secret list of ingredients, a confidential proprietary process, other knowledge that cannot be patented or the details of your invention before your patent application issues as a patent. The best form of protection for each innovation should be determined on a case by case basis, with the advice of a patent attorney. I draft strong, enforceable confidentiality agreements for your business partners, customers, investors, and employees and help your business develop business alliances, policies and processes that protect the confidential information your business needs.

California and Oregon Intellectual Property Attorney

I am committed to helping my clients succeed. My undergraduate degrees in chemical engineering and mathematics give me the necessary technical and scientific education required to understand your technical assets and business.

I am dedicated to my clients and to offering personal service. am serious about taking the time to understand my clients’ business goals and working to tackle the legal issues necessary to accomplish those goals.

Contact me for an initial consultation. My fees are reasonable and I can work with clients on payment plans.