Trade secrets, customer relationships, and employee departures
Carlsbad businesses in medical devices, software, golf equipment, and consumer brands often have valuable designs, product information, customer lists, and distribution relationships. California places substantial limits on employee non-competes, so a dispute over a departing employee requires more than a blanket restriction. The actual confidentiality agreements, ownership records, information at issue, and evidence of misuse matter.
What to gather or check
- Collect the signed confidentiality and invention-assignment terms.
- Identify the specific information, authorized access, and any relevant system records.
- Preserve evidence and avoid accessing personal devices or accounts without legal authority.
