Trade Secrets & Unfair Competition
Many of our clients derive a competitive advantage from their confidential information. At Vinson & Elkins, our Trade Secrets & Unfair Competition practice helps protect that advantage in large and small projects by drafting confidentiality agreements, guiding clients through counseling and negotiation, and, when necessary, pursuing claims of trade secret misappropriation. V&E’s Trade Secrets & Unfair Competition lawyers also know how to defend these claims when they are made against our clients. Our team also helps navigate closely related issues involving employment and consulting agreements, and covenants not to compete.
V&E lawyers have handled trade secrets cases in a variety of contexts — including cases involving computer software, customer information, equipment, pricing and financial information, drawings and specifications, and methods of doing business — in a variety of industries, such as computer hardware and software, oilfield services, oilfield exploration and production, and computer consulting and outsourcing services.
We leverage our experience to help resolve disputes when they arise, whether by licensing or otherwise. However, when our clients cannot get a satisfactory resolution short of litigation, our lawyers have the experience and depth necessary to resolve the case at the courthouse. We have experience in all aspects of trade secrets and non-compete cases, including obtaining temporary restraining orders, and preliminary and permanent injunctions, and we understand the need for quick action.
Experience Highlights
(Tex. Dist. − Harris Cnty.); (Tex. App. − Houston [14th Dist.]) — Represented a major oil company in trade secrets dispute involving drilling rig technology; case dismissed based on forum selection clause; case affirmed on appeal
(S.D. Tex.) Represented leading independent manufacturer of downhole drilling motor power sections against competitor in trade secret misappropriation case related to elastomer compounds
(Tex. Dist.) — Assisted with defending oil well construction, completion, and production company and employee in trade secret misappropriation dispute regarding hiring of ex-employee and purported solicitation of customers, leading to a successful resolution of the dispute
(E.D. Ark.) — Plaintiff’s counsel for a technology company prosecuting a multi-billion dollar claim against a large retailor for theft of trade secrets and fraud
(Harris Cnty.) – Defended a sports entertainment organization in trade secrets case brought by an individual, resulting in a walk-away settlement just before a motion to dismiss hearing
(United States, Japan) – Advised an international provider of advanced large scale medical therapy system on trade secrets issues involving joint development partner and suppliers, including risk assessment and negotiated strategies for resolution