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Proprietary Information

A trade secret is a formula, practice, process, design,  instrument, pattern, or compilation of information  which is not generally known or reasonably  ascertainable, by which a business can obtain an  economic advantage over competitors or customers.

Protected Information
Covenants not to compete are enforced to prevent  the misuse of employer information such as trade  secrets, customer routes, client lists, and established  customer relationships. Intelus Corporation v. Barton,  7 F. Supp. 2d 635, 638 (D. Md.1998); Becker v.  Bailey, 268 Md. 93, 299 A.2d 835, 838 (1973).  Employer protectable interests include trade secrets,  customer lists, and other confidential information.

Employer’s Duties
An employer looking to protect trade secrets must  demonstrate that it has taken steps to ensure the  information’s secrecy. Courts will refrain from  recognizing claims that confidential information must  be protected, if a company fails to adopt internal  policies concerning confidentiality, nondisclosure,  or non-competition, and fails to convey to employees  the confidential nature of the information it claims to  be secret, or does not enforce any security measures  that exist.

Consultation
Our Pittsburgh lawyers will answer a few questions for free over the phone.  We also review your case in detail for a reasonable flat fee.  We give a fully confidential consultation  about any trade secret or non-compete matter.

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