Houston Trade Secrets Theft Attorneys
Every successful business has its own trade secrets that sustain the business’s future growth. When someone uses these assets for their own gain or to benefit a competitor, your business could be devastated. That’s why it’s essential that you protect your trade secrets and take swift action against those who misuse them. Find out what you can do after your business’ trade secrets are stolen and how Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C. can help you hold the perpetrators accountable.
With decades of experience working with businesses throughout Texas, the team of attorneys at Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C. can help you with your most complex business needs. Your business isn’t the first to be targeted by an executive with ill intent, and it won’t be the last. Founder Roger G. Jain has strengthened the firm’s connection with businesses in the Houston area by tackling trade secrets theft, wage and hour disputes, and addressing complex lawsuits.
Wondering where to find us? Roger G. Jain & Associates, P.C. can be found at 9301 Southwest Freeway Suite 250, on the first floor of Merlyn Plaza. Since we’re immediately off of I-69, you can find us easily no matter where you are coming from in the Houston-Metro area. Ready to set up a time to meet? Contact us online or call our law firm at 713-981-0600.
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How Trade Secrets Theft Occurs
Trade secret theft occurs in a variety of ways; while technology has made it easier to track down those who engage in theft of trade secrets, it has also given individuals many new ways to pilfer trade secrets. This type of theft is generally done by executives and others in high-level positions, as they are the only ones who generally have access to these secrets. In other cases, tech professionals may use their experience to access these secrets and benefit from them. Employees may steal and sell trade secrets while working for a business or after leaving the company.
External parties are another threat to Houston employers. Even if employees aren’t looking for a way to benefit from trade secrets, competing businesses may use illegal means to exploit vulnerable employees. In addition to targeting employees, competing businesses may use phishing attacks or hack into company devices to gain access.
Legal Action After Trade Secret Theft
If your business has been the victim of trade secret theft, you have legal options. The Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act defines a trade secret as anything that has actual or potential economic value due to not being known to other persons. This information must also be protected to some degree to ensure its secrecy.
TUTSA allows wronged businesses to file civil lawsuits against the party responsible for the theft. The ideal outcome of a civil lawsuit is a court injunction that prevents the party from using or disclosing the trade secrets. You may also seek monetary damages if your business has suffered losses to the disclosure of trade secrets.
It’s important to move quickly if trade secrets have been stolen; you only have three years from the discovery of the theft to take action.
Holding Executives and Companies Accountable
In general, businesses harmed by trade secret theft take action against C-level professionals or companies that seek to benefit from trade secrets. C-level professionals have the ability and the means to profit from trade secrets, which lower-level employees generally lack. Companies that purchase or steal trade secrets can also be held liable if they knew that the trade secrets were stolen and subsequently benefited from them anyway.
Again, time is of the essence. The longer your trade secrets are available for consumption and use by others, the harder it is to keep them out of the public eye and allow your business to continue benefiting from them.
Our Role in Seeking Justice For Your Business
Trade secrets cases are complex, as they often involve contract breaches and require extensive proof to hold the responsible parties accountable. Our team can investigate the evidence, assess the strength of your case, and begin building a case that will hold up in court. Your case may be settled in negotiations or go all the way to court, and we’ll be there either way.
We can also help you prevent future thefts through the use of proper employment contracts and guidance on security practices.
The sooner you take action against trade secret theft, the better chance you have of safeguarding your company’s secrets. Contact us online or call our law firm at 713-981-0600 to get started.