Can trade secrets be exposed through discovery in litigation?

Yes, trade secrets can be exposed through discovery in litigation in Texas. The Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act (TUTSA) provides that if a person is sued for misappropriating a trade secret, that person can use a legal process called “discovery” to find out information that another person has about that trade secret. Discovery is a means by which parties in a lawsuit can obtain evidence from each other. Through discovery, the person sued for misappropriation of a trade secret can request that the possessors of the trade secret disclose the trade secret in question. They can request the production of documents and other tangible items that contain evidence of the trade secret, or they can take oral depositions of persons knowledgeable about the trade secret. If the person sued for misappropriation of a trade secret does not take advantage of the discovery process, the court may potentially limit or bar any claims or defenses that the person may have in relation to the trade secret. As a result, the person sued for misappropriation may be exposed to liability and required to pay damages for their misconduct. In summary, trade secrets can be exposed through discovery in litigation in Texas when a person is sued for misappropriating a trade secret. Through discovery, the person sued for misappropriation of a trade secret can request that the possessors of the trade secret disclose the trade secret in question. If the person sued for misappropriation of a trade secret does not take advantage of the discovery process, the court may potentially limit or bar any claims or defenses that the person may have in relation to the trade secret.

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