California Civil Code § 3426 is the state’s adoption of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA). Under California Civil Code § 3426.1(d), a trade secret is defined as any kind of information that derives independent economic value from not being known to the public and is the subject of reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy.
If you need legal assistance with trade secret litigation in California, it is in your best interest to contact the Leiva Law Firm. Our experienced Los Angeles business litigation lawyers can review your case and help you understand your legal options when you call 818-703-1777 to schedule a free consultation.
Types of Trade Secrets
Trade secret litigation has become more commonplace in the 21st century because of technological advances. For example, it is now not only easier for people to store large document files on simple USB drives, but increased employee mobility has led to confidential information frequently being moved out of offices.
Certain companies go to extraordinary lengths to protect valuable trade secrets, and trade secrets can include certain information that might not be protected by a patent. Some possible examples of trade secrets might include:
- Secret formula
- Computer program
- Electronic device
- Method, technique, or process
- Ideas
- Marketing plans
- Cost or price information
- Customer lists
Famous Trade Secrets
While trade secrets are relatively foreign to many people, certain trade secrets are quite infamous. Some of the most notable trade secrets include:
- Coca-Cola Formula — The soft drink company has claimed that the recipe for its formula that is combined with carbonated water is “the most guarded trade secret in the world.” The company claims that only two people know the complete formula at any one time, those two people are prohibited from traveling with one another, and the identities of the two employees is also a secret.
- KFC Original Recipe — The original recipe with “11 herbs and spices” signed by Colonel Sanders is locked away in a vault in the fast food franchise’s Louisville headquarters. In 2016, the Chicago Tribune reported that a Kentucky man claimed to have found a copy of the KFC original recipe on a handwritten piece of paper in a scrapbook.
- WD-40 Formula — The inventors of the spray deliberately avoided patenting their product to avoid disclosing its composition. Wired published a 2009 article with the results of tests showing that WD-40’s principal components were mineral oil and the alkanes decane and nonane.
- Google Search Algorithm — One of the most sought-after trade secrets in the digital age, Google continuously revises its algorithm to continually maximize its secrecy.
Find a Trade Secrets Attorney in California
Are you engaged in a possible dispute regarding trade secrets? You will want to contact the Leiva Law Firm as soon as possible.
Our firm represents clients throughout the greater Los Angeles area in a variety of business litigation matters. You can receive a free consultation to have our lawyers provide a complete evaluation of your case as soon as you call 818-519-4465 or contact us online today.
