Data sources have become more accessible with the sudden shift toward the remote/hybrid work model. This increase in accessibility requires increased security, vigilance and proactive risk management. Protecting intellectual property is an essential part of inventing, manufacturing, or supplying original technologies or processes. This article explores protections for trade secrets under Pennsylvania law and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit law. Pennsylvania’s historic approach to trade secret law, relevant statutes, and recent Pennsylvania case law are analyzed here, in addition to recent and informative federal case law, all with an eye toward equipping businesses with tools necessary to protect their valuable trade secrets.

Trade Secrets Pre-PUTSA

Pennsylvania enacted the Pennsylvania Uniform Trade Secrets Act (PUTSA), 12 Pa.C.S.A. Section 5301, et seq., on April 19, 2004, which essentially adopted the Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA) with modifications.