Have you been accused of trade secret theft charges in California? If so, you’re probably anxious about your future possibilities and concerned about what a conviction would entail. We have experience in cases just like yours at Chambers Law Firm.
We can assist you in navigating the accusations made against you and developing a legal response that might result in the best result. After reading this article to understand more about trade secret theft and California laws, call us at 714-760-4088 to schedule a free initial consultation.
What Precisely is Theft of Trade Secrets?
Trade secret theft, which is classified as a white-collar felony in the state of California, entails stealing any kind of information, including intellectual property employed by a particular business to increase its profitability. Many things, both tangible and intangible, can be considered stolen intellectual property, including: formulas, programs, tools, processes, compounds, plans, patterns, techniques, mechanisms, and devices.
The essential requirement is that the item stolen must not be generally accessible to or known by the general public. In order for it to be considered a theft of a trade secret, the company from which it was taken must have taken steps to avoid its theft or disclosure, and the person who stole it must have accessed it in an improper manner, such as defaulting on a contract, trespassing, committing fraud, surveillance, or bribery.
Possible Sanctions for Stealing Trade Secrets
If you are found guilty of stealing trade secrets, you risk jail time and fines. Additionally, the thief may obtain an injunction to stop you from using or making money off of the stolen property. Additionally, they could demand compensation for their revenue losses.
Potential Legal Defenses for Stealing Trade Secrets
The good news is that you can mount a defense. Depending on the evidence against you, there are a variety of approaches we could use when working on your case. For instance, we can contend that you weren’t involved in the theft and that it was just a case of identity confusion. We can also contend that the evidence doesn’t support your guilt or that it points to someone else.
Another alternative is to claim that the stolen item wasn’t genuinely a secret since the owner’s business failed to take reasonable precautions to secure it or because the item was well known. Another possibility is to claim that you truly acquired the data by using a lawful strategy, such reverse engineering.
The Significance of a Good Defense
It goes without saying that you want the greatest defense possible if you are ever accused of a crime, but this is especially true when it comes to stealing trade secrets. Why? Consider the impact a white collar criminal conviction would have on a prospective employer’s decision to hire you. For a free case evaluation, call Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 as soon as possible.
