THIS IS A DISCUSSION POST                                PLEASE READ THE

                                                THIS IS A DISCUSSION POST      

                          PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY                   

Assignment Instructions

Part 1: Find an article describing a trade secret case, whether decided or in progress.

• Describe the gist of the lawsuit—trade secret cases are interesting so be sure to include enough detail so your classmates know what happened. If the court ruled, what was the finding and punishment (if guilty)?

Part 2: Think of a trade secret that could arise in your business or area of interest. It must meet the basic trade secret criteria of (a) giving you an advantage in your business and (b) not being something the public can easily obtain from other sources such as books, the Internet or experts in the field. If you developed the secret, how would you protect it? 

• Explain the secret.
• Discuss the means you would use, considering whether physical (e.g., notices, locks), contractual (e.g. non-disclosure, non-compete agreements) and/or operational (e.g., policies, procedures) safeguards would be needed.  
• Explain how these measures will help prevent others from learning the secret.