At Law Done Right®, we know how critical your trade secrets and competitive edge are to your business. When competitors cross the line through theft, unfair tactics, or misuse of confidential information, Joseph Schreiber and Erik Knockaert step in to protect what you’ve built. We approach every case strategically and efficiently, ensuring your intellectual property and business interests remain secure against those who would exploit them.
What Are Trade Secrets & Unfair Competition?
Trade secrets are valuable business assets, such as confidential formulas, methods, customer lists, or strategies, that give your company a competitive advantage. Unfair competition occurs when another party gains an improper edge by stealing, misusing, or disclosing this protected information, or by engaging in deceptive business practices such as false advertising or trade name infringement. At Law Done Right®, we help you identify what qualifies as a trade secret, prove wrongful conduct, and take decisive legal action to protect your innovations, reputation, and the integrity of your business operations.
Common Examples of Unfair Competition:
- Theft or misuse of confidential business information or trade secrets
- Breach of non-disclosure or non-compete agreements by former employees or partners
- False or misleading advertising that deceives customers or damages your reputation
- Imitation of branding, logos, or trade dress to confuse consumers
- Unlawful interference with existing business relationships or contracts
- Cyber intrusion or data theft aimed at gaining a market advantage
- Misappropriation of proprietary technology, software, or product designs
Our Approach to Trade Secrets & Unfair
Competition Cases
We Start by Understanding Your Business and Your Goals
Before we act, we listen. Joe and Erik personally meet with you to understand the nature of your business, the confidential information at risk, and your objectives. We identify what qualifies as a trade secret, how it was protected, and where the breach occurred. This allows us to build a focused, strategic case rather than a scattershot approach that wastes your time or resources.
We Investigate Strategically and Act Quickly
Timing is everything. We move fast to gather digital evidence, trace leaks, and secure key communications before they disappear. Joe and Erik coordinate closely to prepare emergency measures such as temporary restraining orders (TROs) or injunctions when necessary. Our lean approach ensures swift, decisive action without the inefficiency of a bloated legal team.
We Craft a Tailored Legal Strategy for Every Case
No two cases are the same. We analyze your situation from every angle (contractual, technological, and competitive) to design a strategy that protects your interests while minimizing disruption to your business. Whether through litigation, arbitration, or confidential settlement, we focus on achieving results that align with your goals and preserve your market position.
We Protect Your Reputation and Restore Your Competitive Edge
Our work doesn’t stop at legal remedies. We aim to help you rebuild trust, secure your intellectual assets, and prevent future breaches. Joe and Erik guide you through preventive steps, including strengthening NDAs, refining data security, and training staff on confidentiality practices. We treat your business as if it were our own because we know how much is at stake.
Trade Secrets & Unfair Competition FAQs
What Qualifies as a Trade Secret?
A trade secret is any confidential information that gives your business a competitive advantage. It could be a customer list, pricing model, algorithm, or manufacturing process. To qualify, it must not be generally known, and you must take reasonable steps to keep it private. Joe and Erik help you identify and document what truly counts as a protectable trade secret.
How Does Unfair Competition Differ From Trade Secret Theft?
Unfair competition covers a broader range of misconduct, like false advertising, trade dress infringement, or misleading consumers. Trade secret theft, on the other hand, involves the unauthorized use of your confidential information. Joe and Erik handle both types of claims, often together, since unfair tactics frequently accompany stolen information.
How Do I Know if My Trade Secret Has Been Misused?
Misuse often becomes clear through suspicious timing, such as a competitor suddenly using your methods, or a former employee launching a similar product. We can help investigate digital trails, communications, and business records to prove unauthorized access or use. Joe and Erik personally handle these investigations to ensure swift action and prevent further harm.
What Legal Remedies Are Available in Trade Secret Cases?
You can seek injunctions to immediately stop the misuse and prevent further damage, along with monetary damages for losses and attorney’s fees. In severe cases, courts may even award punitive damages. We work strategically to secure temporary restraining orders (TROs) or injunctions quickly, while also positioning your case for a strong recovery.
Go Call Joe or Erik
If your competitors have crossed the line, it’s time to call Joe or Erik. At Law Done Right® – Schreiber | Knockaert, PLLC, Joseph M. Schreiber and Erik A. Knockaert work together on every case: strategizing, investigating, and fighting for your business as if it were their own. You won’t be handed off to an army of staff or lost in red tape. We act efficiently, decisively, and with purpose. Reach out today to schedule a consultation about your case.
