Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets

Breaches/Investigations

With laws constantly changing to accommodate today’s mobile workforce, it can be difficult to determine when a departing or incoming employee’s actions are in violation of fair competition. Further, the courts often have a limited view of what can be considered confidential information. The process of investigating and substantiating an unfair competition and trade secrets claim can be a challenging and time-consuming endeavor. No company can afford to lose money and customers due to unfair competitive activity.

The attorneys in Littler’s Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets Practice Group work daily with clients to identify contract breaches and investigate illegal activity, ensuring a high level of protection from unfair competition. The Firm conducts client and customer interviews and works with forensic computer specialists to investigate a departing employee’s business activities, focusing on e-mail history, document downloads, and even home-office records where appropriate. To strengthen policies before a claim arises, the Firm counsels companies to ensure that their agreements are enforceable in their jurisdiction and that they are taking the appropriate steps to avoid confidentiality breaches. The Firm advises companies hiring employees from competitors to ensure that no contract interference occurs that might lead to litigation.

In most employee transactions, both the former and new employers want to reach a suitable business solution. Littler attorneys understand business goals and can help facilitate appropriate agreements, to the clients’ advantage. The Firm’s experience and nationwide reach enables them to act quickly, saving clients time and money.