Trade Secrets Law and Practice

This course will examine both the theoretical underpinnings of trade secret law and the practicalities of trade secret litigation. We will survey the sources of trade secret law (including the newly-enacted federal Defend Trade Secrets Act), compare trade secrets with other forms of intellectual property, consider the contexts in which trade secret issues arise - including, most commonly, in employee movement and non-compete cases - and explore litigation strategies from both offensive and defensive standpoints. Special attention will be paid throughout the course to the impact that electronic storage and communication and the increased globalization of commerce will continue to have on trade secret litigation. Class participation is strongly encouraged and expected.

Grading and Method of Evaluation:
Letter grade with a pass/fail option. A take-home exam, one writing assignment and class participation are required.