To protect your trade secrets under the law, first make sure that they are not readily ascertainable by proper means. Proper means includes discovery by independent invention, discovery by reverse engineering, discovery through a license from the owner of the trade secret, observation of the trade secret in public use or on public display, or obtaining a trade secret from published literature. Improper means is otherwise lawful conduct which is improper under the circumstances. For example, using aerial reconnaissance to determine a competitor's plant design while it is under construction. The trade secret owner must also take steps to maintain their secrecy.
Companies often go to great lengths to protect the secrecy of their trade secrets.
Genuine trade secrets must be closely guarded. Disclose them only to your employees who have an absolute need to know them. Make sure that your employees or anyone else that sees the trade secrets understand their significance and are contractually obligated not to disclose them. Do not deploy your trade secret in the marketplace in a way that it can be readily ascertained by proper means. The benefits of protection under the UTSA are significant.