I hired Mr. Patterson (due to another attorney's referral) to handle what I viewed as a complex case. Because of Mr. Patterson's knowledge of the applicable laws and forethought of opposing counsel's strategy, I'm happy to say the outcome was "excellent." I generally do not post but Mr. Patterson absolutely deserves a well appreciated applause for his legal performance. That said, I also referred him to my sister which also had successful results. Thank you, Mr. Patterson.
Trade Secret: Florida’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act
June 24, 2022
In any state, the law allows the accused the opportunity to prove their innocence in a court of law. When someone got charged, it is not up to the individual to prove their innocence, it is up to the attorney.
At the Law Office of Robert Eckard & Associates, we represent clients accused of violating Florida’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act.
What is Florida’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act?
The Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA) is the most widely used state law for protecting trade secrets in Florida. The act protects a wide range of business information, including:
- Competitively sensitive information, such as manufacturing processes or product designs
- Customer lists and customer lists derived from personal information
- Trade secrets disclosed by employees to competitors
The UTSA applies to all forms of IP, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks, trade dress, and trade names. It also covers any other form of IP deemed to be a “trade secret.”
Any serious offense against this law is punishable under the strictest terms of the law. The violation accuses the individual of misappropriation of trade secrets through improper means. The law states that an individual knowingly or knows that someone has acquired trade secret information through unethical ways, such as bribery, misinterpretation, illegal electronic surveillance, or theft.
Even if the person is not guilty of the crime, knowing someone that is guilty, and not speaking out, makes a person guilty under this Act.
Who or What Does It Protect?
Trade secrets protect business owners from falling victims to copyrights violations, and leaked information through means of intentionally distributing such information that will cause the business harm.
It protects the business or business owner from theft of mobile and program apps, new unleased patterns or designs, franchise secret recipes, new devices with new technology, and more. It protects anyone with secrets that profits from their business secrets.
Florida’s Trade Secret Laws
Florida imposes criminal penalties for individuals who divulge someone’s business trade secrets. As a Florida trade secret litigation attorney will explain, experience dictates that guilt is not guilty until proven.
At the Law Office of Robert Eckard & Associates, we represent every aspect of the business industry. Every Florida trade secret litigation attorney in our office represents business owners and brings those who violate their trade secrets to justice.
Give our Tampa trade secret attorneys a call at (727) 772-1941 and see how we can help