The value of trade secrets never escapes a well-run company. To that end, Apple Inc. has sued a former product designer claiming that he stole the company’s trade secrets to help his new employer, Arris Composites, and then leaked those secrets to the media to advance his own financial interests. The designer, Simon Lancaster, worked […]
Ecolab Sues Former Employee For Allegedly Stealing Trade Secrets
In another high profile trade secret case, water treatment giant Ecolab, Inc. sued one of its former marketing managers, Preston Alexander, and his new company, One Degree Medical, alleging they stole trade secrets to set up a competing business in violation of both the employees’ employment agreement, and state and federal trade secrets laws. EcoLab’s […]
Courts Differ on Where Website Operators are Subject to Personal Jurisdiction
Courts are increasingly being asked to decide when website operators are subject to personal jurisdiction in a particular state, a potentially vexing problem because websites generally lack a specific location and can be accessed from almost anywhere on the globe. In June 2020, the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, in UMG Recordings, Inc. v. […]
Beware of Successor Liability in Connection with Family Owned Business
A corporation ordinarily is not liable for the debts of other entities or its owners in the absence of an express agreement, such as a guarantee. However, a creditor of one company may try to impose liability on one or more non-debtor entities under “alter ego” or “successor liability” theories in certain circumstances. In these […]
How to Select a Trial Attorney for Your Bay Area Business
Working with a reputable law firm to assist you in drafting and negotiating agreements for sales, real estate transactions, employment agreements, and intellectual property licenses, has never been more essential to the success of your business. The attorney you choose should be focused on preventing problems and helping you navigate your company through a challenging […]