A trade secret is any practice or the process that is not told outside and kept inside the company among superior authorities. It is the same information that boosts up profit margin of the organization. Besides, there is also financial benefit along with marking the place in the market for being unique.
Since it is a trade secret, and one must be extra cautious in protecting the trade secrets. However, consulting a trade secret lawyer is always advisable. We have jotted down few strategies that will help you out.
Check them out in the below-written blog:
Hire an Officer for The Trade Secret observance
By hiring an officer for the identification of the intellectual property, you will get an assurance of keeping the trade secret between the two parties. Alongside, the officer will also help you in maintaining the records, carrying out the exit interviews. The officer is the one who is accountable to answer all the questions related to the trade secret protection.
Limit the Revelation of Confidential Information
Ensure that you limit the revelation of the confidential information whether it is an oral form or the written form. Expose it to the members who have the authority and need to know about the information to complete their jobs.
Also, be sure to add confidential provisions to the employment agreements, sales and contract agreements, management agreements and other agreements that are needed.
Limit the Copies of Trade Secret
Do not permit the individuals or the employees to make the copy of the trade secret agreements or confidential documents.
Collecting the Copies of Confidential Agreements
If you have given the copies of the documents to the employees, then remember to receive it back. Also, if it is to the employee during the specific period of time, then at the time of his or her resignation – take all the informative documents back.
Encrypt the Computer Data or Records
Nowadays many corporations keep the data into software or on the cloud, i.e. on the internet. Restrict the access of the people from the computer. Only permit the people who need to perform his or her duties related to work.
For instance, the accounting department is allowed to get into the proprietary software of the corporation.
Exclude other employees from entering into the system that possesses records and additional relevant information. You can encrypt the computer data so that no one tries to violate it.
Maximize the Use of Physical Safeguards
As much as it is crucial to have cloud storage, one should also make the maximum use of physical safeguards. These include prohibiting the other members from entering the specific area, requiring the login information, posting signs to the places and on the files, locking up the vaults and other such things.
Conduct Training Programs for The Safety Purpose
Conduct the trade secret protection program every six months for the employees. Train them how it is pivotal to protect the information. Also, teach them about the legal forces related to the trade secret.
Cross-check All the Advertising and Promotional Scripts
For promotional and advertising purpose, scripts are written down. Make sure that there is no revelation of the trade secret and the confidential information in the twisted manner.
Have Exit Interviews
When an employee resigns from the firm, then perform an exit interview and retrieve back all the information, copies of the documents, passwords or anything that is in their possession.
Protecting the trade secrets is crucial. By putting into the practice the above-described strategies, you are able to maximize and protect the values and morals of the companies.