In a recent, lengthy decision involving allegations of deceitful acts and unfair competition, the Utah Court of Appeals largely affirmed the lower court’s grant of summary judgment to the defendants with respect to a complaint alleging misappropriation of proprietary data and related conduct. Particularly noteworthy, the appellate court held that the Utah Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA) preempts many common
Continue Reading Utah Appellate Court Holds That “Confidential” Price List Is Not A Trade Secret But A Contract Bid Could Be, And Uniform Trade Secrets Act Preempts Common Law Claims Based On Misusing Confidential Information Not A “Trade Secret”

Quoting Section 40, comment c, of the Restatement (Third) of Unfair Competition, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals held recently that “Any exploitation of the trade secret that is likely to result in injury to the trade secret owner or enrichment to the defendant” constitutes a “use” giving rise to liability for misappropriation (emphasis added). So, when Varco, LLP filed

Continue Reading Filing A Patent Application Covering A Misappropriated Trade Secret Held To Constitute A “Use” Which Justifies $600,000 In Compensatory Damages