Are there any special rules for protecting trade secrets?

Yes, there are special rules for protecting trade secrets in Washington. This area of the law is known as unfair competition law and is designed to prevent businesses from using competing businesses’ trade secrets for their own benefit. Under this law, it is illegal for a person or business to use another business’s trade secrets without authorization or consent. As a trade secret is a form of intellectual property, Washington state law identifies certain remedies available to businesses who believe that their trade secrets were illegally used without their knowledge or consent. These remedies can include injunctive relief (a court order requiring the defendant to stop using the trade secret) and damages, including damages for actual losses and punitive damages. In addition, Washington law provides for enhanced penalties for those convicted of willfully and maliciously misappropriating trade secrets. Certain activities, such as digital theft, can result in criminal penalties, including a fine of up to $50,000 or imprisonment in the state penitentiary for up to five years, or both. Overall, Washington has very strict laws concerning trade secrets, and businesses should take steps to protect their trade secrets, including having a written policy in place that sets forth how trade secrets should be handled and keeping trade secrets confidential and secure.

Related FAQs

Are there any special rules for the protection of famous marks?
Are there any defenses against a claim of trade dress infringement?
What is the difference between unfair competition and antitrust law?
What is a Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) claim?
What is a deceptive trade practice?
Are there any defenses to Section 5 of the FTCA?
Are there any special rules for unfair competition in the entertainment industry?
What is the scope of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act?
What is the difference between an unfair competition claim and a claim for false advertising?
What does the Lanham Act prohibit?

Are there any special rules for protecting trade secrets?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts