Trade Secret

In today’s knowledge economy, a company’s most valuable intellectual property is often its trade secrets and confidential information. Proprietary technology, algorithms, manufacturing processes, source code, customer data, pricing models, and strategic business information frequently represent years of research and investment.

Trade secret disputes can threaten a company’s technology, competitive advantage, and market position. Carlson Caspers provides the deep litigation experience, technical backgrounds, and strategic counsel companies need to protect their most valuable proprietary information.

Carlson Caspers represents plaintiffs and defendants in trade secret misappropriation litigation in federal and state courts across the United States.

Our attorneys handle disputes involving:

• Misappropriation under the Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) and state trade secret laws
• Emergency relief, including temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions
• Employee departures and competitive hiring disputes
• Enforcement of confidentiality agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and restrictive covenants
• Theft or misuse of proprietary technology, data, or business information
• Trade secret disputes involving software, manufacturing processes, algorithms, and product designs

Trade secret cases often require rapid investigation and immediate legal action to prevent ongoing competitive harm. Our attorneys work quickly to secure evidence, protect confidential information, and position cases for successful resolution—whether through injunction, settlement, or trial.

The Defend Trade Secrets Act provides federal protection against trade secret misappropriation and allows companies to pursue nationwide relief in federal court.

Carlson Caspers regularly advises clients on:

• Claims and defenses under the DTSA
• Emergency injunction proceedings
• Trade secret seizure orders and protective measures
• Coordinating federal and state trade secret claims
• Protecting confidential information during litigation

Our team understands the procedural and strategic considerations unique to DTSA cases and works closely with clients to protect critical intellectual property.

Preventing misappropriation is often the most effective way to protect valuable intellectual property. Carlson Caspers works with companies to design trade secret protection strategies that preserve confidentiality and strengthen enforcement rights.

Our counseling includes:

• Identifying and classifying protectable trade secrets
• Developing confidentiality and information-security policies
• Drafting and reviewing NDAs, employee agreements, and contractor agreements
• Designing employee onboarding and off-boarding procedures
• Conducting internal investigations and risk assessments
• Protecting trade secrets in joint development and technology collaborations

These measures help ensure that proprietary information is properly protected and legally enforceable if a dispute arises.

Carlson Caspers is dedicated exclusively to intellectual property law. Our attorneys combine technical expertise with extensive litigation experience, allowing us to quickly understand the technologies at the center of trade secret disputes.

We represent companies across a wide range of industries, including:

• Medical devices and life sciences
• Software, artificial intelligence, and data analytics
• Telecommunications and electronics
• Advanced manufacturing and industrial technologies
• Consumer products and engineering technologies

Our ability to understand complex technologies helps courts and juries appreciate the true value and importance of confidential information.

Trade secrets are often part of a broader intellectual property portfolio. Carlson Caspers helps companies develop integrated IP strategies that coordinate trade secret protection with patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property.

We regularly advise clients on:

• Whether innovations should be patented or maintained as trade secrets
• Protecting confidential information during patent prosecution
• Trade secret issues in mergers, acquisitions, and due diligence
• Structuring technology licensing and collaboration agreements

This integrated approach helps companies protect innovation while maintaining flexibility in how their technology is commercialized.