Trade Secret Lawyers

Your business’s success likely depends on information that sets you apart from competitors—formulas, processes, marketing plans, supplier lists, or client data that the public doesn’t have access to. These trade secrets are often among a company’s most valuable assets. When this information is stolen, misused, or disclosed without your consent, your bottom line and future competitiveness are put in jeopardy.

At The Gold Law Firm P.C., our Philadelphia trade secrets lawyers help businesses and individuals pursue or defend against trade secret claims. We move quickly to assess your options and develop a legal strategy aimed at stopping further misuse, recovering losses, and protecting your long-term interests.

What Is a Trade Secret Under Pennsylvania Law?

In Pennsylvania, a trade secret is defined as information that derives economic value from not being generally known and is subject to reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy. In simple terms, if something gives your business a competitive advantage and you’ve taken care to protect it, it may qualify as a trade secret. This includes things like customer databases, proprietary software, pricing models, algorithms, marketing strategies, and product development plans.

Pennsylvania follows the Pennsylvania Uniform Trade Secrets Act (PUTSA), which provides legal remedies if a trade secret is stolen or misused. At the federal level, the Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) allows parties to bring lawsuits in federal court when trade secrets are misappropriated in ways that impact interstate commerce.

How Are Trade Secrets Commonly Misappropriated?

Trade secret theft often happens in the context of employment transitions, business partnerships, or failed negotiations. A departing employee may take confidential information to a new employer. A vendor or independent contractor might access sensitive data and share it with a competitor. In some cases, hackers or bad actors outside the organization breach data systems and steal proprietary information.

Regardless of how it happens, the exposure of trade secrets can result in lost revenue, damage to reputation, and a permanent loss of competitive advantage. If you suspect your trade secrets have been misappropriated, acting quickly is essential. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to limit the harm or stop ongoing misuse.

Legal Remedies Available in Trade Secret Cases

If your trade secrets have been misused, you may have several options for legal recourse. Courts can issue injunctions to stop someone from using or sharing your proprietary information. You may be able to recover damages for lost profits or unjust enrichment if the opposing party benefited financially from the theft. In some cases, courts will award punitive damages if the misappropriation was willful or malicious, and attorney’s fees may also be recoverable.

Our trade secrets lawyers can help you file for emergency injunctive relief, such as a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction, to prevent further disclosure or use while the case is pending.

Defending Against Accusations of Trade Secret Theft

Being accused of trade secret misappropriation is serious and can carry civil and even criminal consequences. If you’re a former employee accused of taking confidential information or a business accused of benefiting from another party’s trade secrets, you need strong legal representation right away.

The Gold Law Firm P.C. represents individuals and businesses facing trade secret allegations. We will evaluate the evidence, assess the enforceability of any agreements, and work to resolve the matter efficiently, whether through negotiation or litigation.

Enforcing Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreements

One of the best ways to protect trade secrets is by entering into well-drafted non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and confidentiality clauses with employees, contractors, and business partners. These agreements should clearly define what constitutes a trade secret and establish the duty to keep it confidential. However, even with an NDA in place, enforcement can become complicated if a breach occurs.

Our Philadelphia trade secrets attorneys assist companies with drafting enforceable NDAs and take legal action when those agreements are violated. If someone has breached a confidentiality agreement, we can pursue injunctions and financial remedies to hold them accountable.

Trade Secret Litigation and Business Disputes

Trade secret disputes are often intertwined with broader business litigation involving non-compete agreements, intellectual property, and breach of fiduciary duty claims. Our firm has experience handling complex commercial disputes in both state and federal courts. Whether you are enforcing your rights or defending against accusations, we approach every case with the strategic mindset and legal skill needed to protect your interests.

Our goal is always to resolve disputes efficiently and favorably. When appropriate, we pursue out-of-court settlements to limit disruption and expense. But when necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

Protecting Trade Secrets Before a Dispute Arises

Prevention is just as important as enforcement. We advise clients on how to proactively safeguard their trade secrets by implementing internal policies, conducting employee training, and restricting access to sensitive information. Many trade secret thefts are preventable when companies take clear, consistent steps to protect what makes their business unique.

If you’re unsure whether your proprietary information qualifies as a trade secret or want to evaluate how well it’s protected, we can help. Our attorneys conduct audits and assessments to identify areas of vulnerability and offer tailored recommendations.

Speak With a Philadelphia Trade Secrets Lawyer at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Today

When trade secrets are at risk, there’s no time to wait. Whether you need to pursue a claim against a former employee, protect your company’s interests in a dispute, or defend yourself against accusations of misappropriation, The Gold Law Firm P.C. is ready to help. Call our Philadelphia trade secrets lawyers at 215-569-1999 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients in South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Montgomery County, and Cherry Hill.