Trade secrets are the engines that drive business revenues. They have inherent value to that business because they are confidential. Trade secrets can include a business’s methods, data, client lists, marketing and other strategies of one business. Trade secrets have inherent value by not being known by others. However, they are often poorly protected from use or disclosure by those given access to them. Trade secrets can be protected by several techniques. One such technique is the use of confidentiality agreements with employees, vendors, contractors, and manufacturers. Such agreements may require those outsiders using the trade secrets to develop their own procedures and policies for restricting access to secret methods and information. They may also require outsiders to mark or label documents that contain such confidential information with the word “Confidential”. Trade secrets, and how businesses protect them, are distinguishable from other forms of intellectual property that are used publically, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Laws have been enacted in California and in many other states designed to protect holders of trade secrets. These laws have a range of remedies that can be employed, from injunctive relief to damages. If you are interested in learning ways to further protect your trade secrets, or if your trade secrets have already been violated, contact Alan Geraldi at (925) 236-0045.