What is the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016?

The Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 is a federal law that makes it a crime to steal trade secrets or confidential business information in the United States. This Act was created to protect businesses in their attempt to protect their confidential information. Washington state has adopted the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, providing a whistleblower protection law that encourages individuals to report any illegal activity they observe within the workplace. The Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 creates criminal and civil liability for anyone who steals or misappropriates trade secrets. This includes any person or company that gains access to a trade secret without authorization and then discloses, uses, or misappropriates it in any manner. The Act also provides civil remedies for trade secret misappropriation, which may include damages, attorneys’ fees and injunctions. The Act also provides for whistleblower protections. Employees may report any illegal activity or suspected misappropriation of trade secrets to the federal government or their employers, without fear of reprisal or retaliation. If an employer retaliates against a whistleblower for reporting illegal activities or suspected misappropriation of trade secrets, the employee is provided with remedies and protections under the Act. The Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 provides a comprehensive approach to protecting businesses from the misappropriation of their confidential information. It includes criminal and civil remedies, as well as whistleblower protections, making it an important law in Washington and throughout the United States.

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What is the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016?

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