No matter what kind of business you are running, you probably have some information or methods that you do not want to fall into the competition’s hands. These are trade secrets. They make your business unique, so you need to do anything you can to protect them. If you do end up encountering trade secret disputes, our Atlanta law firm can help you navigate them.
What Can a Business Consider Its Trade Secrets?
Trade secrets are processes or business practices that a company can keep to itself. Some of these are even famous. Hershey’s has its own process for making chocolate that no one else knows. Coca-Cola has its secret formula. KFC’s herbs and spices are a company secret. These trade secrets help brands stand out in crowded markets.
How Do Trade Secrets Differ From Other IP?
Many types of intellectual property, like patents and trademarks, are actually known to the public. There are databases where these can easily be found, usually for the benefit of other inventors or companies who want to see if they can get patent or trademark protection for their own products and ideas.
Trade secrets are different. These are not available to the public because they are a crucial ingredient in the company’s success. These are things that set you apart from the competition. Losing these to someone else or having them revealed to the public could be potentially devastating for a business.
What Are Some Smart Ways to Protect Trade Secrets?
There are a few ways to protect your intellectual property and prevent most leaks. Some useful tools include:
- Advanced security measures at every one of your facilities
- Documents clearly marked as confidential
- Passwords and other security measures that limit digital access to secrets
- User access logs
- Confidentiality agreements
Can a Lawyer Help Me Protect My IP?
Your lawyer can help you pursue legal action against someone who misappropriates confidential information from your company. We do not just help you take a case to trial. We will pursue any avenue that will help you resolve your problem.
So if we think that the other side can be negotiated with, we’ll help you do that. If we think that alternative methods of dispute resolution, like arbitration or mediation, can be fruitful, we’ll pursue that route. We just want to find the best way to help you protect any trade secrets and keep your valuable intellectual property.
Talk to an Attorney
Your trade secrets are valuable, so don’t let someone else profit from them. Contact AB Law to schedule a consultation if your business needs help addressing a breach, a leak, or any kind of IP theft. We’re ready to fight for you.
