Trade Secret Blog

1. Formulas Not Considered Trade Secrets:  2. Industrial Formulas Not Considered Trade Secrets:  3. Processes Not Considered Trade Secrets:  4. Manufacturing Processes:  5. Methods and Techniques (Know-How):  6. Machines  7. Products  8. Plans, Designs, and Patterns  9. Customer Lists  10. Wholesale Customer Lists (General)  11. Specific Examples of Unprotected Wholesale Customer Lists  12. Court Decisions Denying Protection  13. Federal Court Decisions  14. Customer Lists and Information …

In today’s competitive business environment, the protection of trade secrets is more important than ever. Trade secrets are the lifeblood of many businesses, encompassing everything from formulas and processes to customer lists and marketing strategies. These secrets provide companies with a competitive edge, but their value is directly tied to how well they are protected…

Vondran Legal® – Bay Area Trade Secrets Law Firm Legal Issue: The Importance of Pleadings in Trade Secret Cases  Pleadings are the documents that parties file with the court at the beginning of a lawsuit to outline their positions and the issues in dispute. In trade secret cases, pleadings are fundamental because they lay the…

Introduction Trade secret disputes are literally blowing up in California. With the rise of the internet, cryptocurrency, AI, and software technologies, companies are fighting playing musical chairs with employees that learn the business and may learn certain confidential, proprietary, or trade secret information to leave and compete with the business (often knowing a better way…

Vondran Legal® California Trade Secret Law Firm Legal Issue: What is a Non-Solicitation Agreement?  Employee non-solicitation agreements are essential tools in employment contracts, especially in competitive industries. These agreements aim to prevent former employees from soliciting the company’s employees or clients after their departure, thereby protecting the company’s workforce and client base from being poached…

Vondran Legal® – Trade Secret Mediation, Arbitration & Litigation A database of customer leads can be protected as a trade secret if it meets certain criteria. Specifically, the information must not be readily ascertainable through public sources, and the company must have expended significant effort in compiling the list, making it more valuable than publicly…

Vondran IP Litigation Legal Issue: How Long Do Trade Secrets Last?  Trade secrets are a vital component of many businesses, offering protection for valuable information that provides a competitive edge. But how long do these trade secrets last? Let’s delve into the intricacies of trade secret protection, the duration of their validity, and the legal…

Vondran IP Litigation Legal Issue: Understanding California Labor Code Section 925: The Right to Counsel  California Labor Code Section 925 is a vital piece of legislation aimed at protecting employees who work under employment agreements that require them to resolve disputes outside of California. This law ensures that employees cannot be forced to litigate or…

Vondran Legal IP & Trade Secrets Law Legal Issue:   Trade secrets are a crucial aspect of intellectual property law, providing protection for confidential business information that gives a company a competitive edge. However, when a company is accused of misappropriating a trade secret, one of the most potent defenses available is proving independent creation.…

Vondran Trade Secrets Litigation & Insights Legal Issue: Ex Parte Seizures in Intellectual Property Law: When FRCP 65 is Inadequate and Forensic Evidence is Ample  In intellectual property law, protecting trade secrets and proprietary information is of paramount importance. Ex parte seizures are an extraordinary remedy that courts may grant to prevent irreparable harm to…