Structuring Agreements to Preserve Trade Secrets: Employment Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, and Licenses

This CLE webinar will guide IP counsel on structuring agreements to preserve trade secrets and avoid pitfalls which can result in the trade secrets entering the public domain. Recently, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decided that a poorly drafted non-disclosure agreement allowed a competitor to freely use the trade secrets. Furthermore, due to the improperly worded agreement, the court overturned an award of $78 million in favor of the trade secret owner. The panel will address key provisions for trade secret agreements including employment agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and licenses. Also, the panel will offer best practices for structuring such agreements. In addition, the panel will discuss identifying and safeguarding trade secrets.

To maintain their trade secrets, companies often rely on agreements to contractually prohibit employees and third parties from disclosing their information. In transactions involving trade secrets, it is critical that the contract protects the trade secrets involved. The agreement should include confidentiality provisions that survive the termination of the agreement to safeguard the trade secret. Even if the deal falls apart, counsel must ensure the trade secret is protected.

By understanding the essential elements--and the common pitfalls--in trade secret agreements, counsel for trade secret owners can prepare to effectively structure and negotiate contracts in their clients' best interests.

Listen as our authoritative panel of IP attorneys provides IP owners and counsel guidance on protecting trade secrets. The panel will address key provisions for trade secret agreements and will offer best practices for structuring trade secret agreements.