Category Archives: Trade Secrets

First, a little background for those unfamiliar with the wonderful world of the International Trade Commission (ITC). 

Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. § 1337) prohibits “unfair methods of competition and unfair acts in the importation of articles … into the Unites States,” including the importation of articles that infringe various types of intellectual property.  Companies can file complaints in the ITC and administrative law judges oversee the investigations. … More

As we previously reported, the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) enacted last May includes a powerful ex parte seizure proceeding that allows courts in “extraordinary circumstances” to order the seizure of property necessary to prevent the immediate dissemination of trade secrets.

Last month, the Northern District of California issued one of the first (if not the first) decision on an ex parte seizure request under the new statute. … More