Safeguarding Trade Secrets
 
If a business has a trade secret (information that may be a formula, pattern, or device capable of giving it an edge over other competitors), it is important that security measures are taken in order to ensure that the secret remains a secret. Facilities and physical documentation of the information should be safeguarded against the possibility of misappropriation.

Facilities
Any area that contains trade secret information should be restricted to those authorized to access the information. Trade secret facilities and documents should be marked with special notification, such as:

  • "Confidential"
  • "Restricted"
  • "To be opened by addressee only"
  • "Should not be copied without authorization"

Special measures should be taken to deny any unauthorized person from retrieving trade secret information. Prior to entering a security area, each person should be required to:

  • Wear an identification badge
  • Allow a security guard to inspect briefcases or bags
  • Sign a visitor's log that may contain information about:

Computers
Any trade secret information that is contained in a computer should be protected from misuse. Passwords should be assigned to those authorized to view the material. Special data should be encoded and firewalls should be installed to prevent unauthorized access.

Also, floppy disks and printouts should be locked in a safe place.

© 2003 NextClient.com, Inc.  All rights reserved.

Back to the Torteya & Torteya Law Frim Home Page