How much evidence is needed to win a trade secret misappropriation claim?

In California, the amount of evidence needed to win a trade secret misappropriation claim depends on the type of claim being brought. If the claim is based on the civil prosecution of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA), the plaintiff must prove that the trade secret was both misappropriated and used to gain an economic advantage. The civil UTSA claim requires a showing of adequate evidence to prove the trade secret’s existence, that it was misappropriated, and that the accused party gained an advantage or benefit from its use. If a criminal claim is brought under the California Trade Secrets Act (CTSA), the plaintiff must show that the defendant intentionally or negligently misappropriated the trade secret and intended to use it to gain an economic advantage. The CTSA requires a higher level of proof than the UTSA, as the plaintiff must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally misappropriated the trade secret. Overall, the amount of evidence required to win a trade secret misappropriation claim in California depends on the type of claim being filed, with civil UTSA claims requiring a lesser burden of proof than criminal CTSA claims. To win either claim, though, the plaintiff must provide substantial evidence proving the existence of the trade secret, its misappropriation, and the gain of an economic advantage.

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