Companies used to keep sensitive information in locked filed cabinets or safes that physically stopped unauthorized parties from accessing it. Today, however, companies typically store trade secret files digitally. Protecting this information can require more...
Employee at center of international effort to steal trade secrets
Coca-Cola's formula is one of the most commonly cited examples of what a trade secret is. But the recipe for their soda is not the only intellectual property the company must protect. A recent case highlights this, as a former Coca-Cola employee has been convicted of...
Protect your company from misappropriation by acquisition
Discussions between businesses involving acquisition are highly sensitive. There can be vast sums of money involved, and the future of both entities rests on the outcome of these conversations. Thus, they must be open, honest and protected. However, situations can...
Zoom in on protecting your trade secrets during video calls
When people hop on a video call for work, their main concerns can be making sure they are muted and putting on some work-appropriate clothes so that they don't embarrass themselves. However, it could be far more embarrassing for a person to get caught revealing...
Collaborating with others? Define and protect trade secrets
Collaboration, particularly in STEM-related fields, can be vital to the advancement of technological solutions and developments. Considering the sensitive nature of all that goes into new products and ideas, confidentiality is critical to these collaborative efforts....
Protecting trade secrets: It doesn’t happen automatically
Automation and technology are among the most innovative and dynamic industries today. Global companies are competing alongside startups to deliver the newest, the best and the smartest products to consumers. In such a competitive environment, protecting proprietary...
Keeping trade secrets secure when your workforce is remote
Workplaces across Minnesota have been adjusting to the changing limitations presented by COVID-19. Some companies have closed down temporarily or permanently, while others have been able to make the transition to a fully remote workforce. While working remotely can...
Can someone steal a trade secret if it’s not a trade secret?
Proprietary information can be enormously valuable to a business. It could set the company apart, give it an edge in the marketplace, or even give the business some stability in times of insecurity. Just as proprietary information is valuable to a business, it can...
Could Minnesota ban non-compete agreements?
In previous posts on this blog, we have discussed the value of having valid non-compete agreements to protect trade secrets. However, they are not the only tool businesses have to protect confidential, proprietary information. This is important to know as Minnesota...
Enforcing a non-compete to protect IP
Having employees sign non-compete agreements restricting them from actions like working at a competing company can minimize the risk that an employee will disclose protected material to another company. Unfortunately, not every employee will comply with their...