Non-Competition Agreements & Trade Secrets

Miles & Stockbridge successfully resolved a matter involving four former employees who left to set up a competing business. Despite the absence of any non-compete or non-disclosure agreement, we successfully negotiated an agreement whereby the former employees agreed to refrain from working on any projects in competition with the client. We were able to resolve the matter before having to file suit. This case was very important because the client did not have its employees sign restrictive covenant agreements, and thus had left itself open to exactly the scenario that presented itself. The client was fearful that if these employees left others could follow and it could be harmed in the competitive marketplace. We fashioned creative arguments that brought the former employees to the bargaining table. The matter was resolved after a 14-plus hour mediation. 

Represented an international supplier of farm equipment against a former employee accused of misappropriating trade secrets and other confidential information in violation of federal and state law, and for violations of the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Represented a producer and distributor of chemicals in prosecution of trade secret action in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland against a former sales employee who copied several hundred sensitive documents to a portable hard drive before departing the company. We obtained a temporary restraining order and ultimately consent permanent injunction barring former employee from retaining and using client’s information.

Represented not-for-profit consortium in response to contract, trade secret and unfair competition claims in Circuit Court for Baltimore City. We achieved successful dismissal of all claims in favor of our client.