| Read Time: 2 minutes | #Trade Secrets

Under Texas law, how secret must trade secret be?

A recent opinion by the Dallas Court of Appeals explains what constitutes a trade secret and gives an example of information acquired through unfair means. The court defines a trade secret as ā€œany formula, pattern, device, or compilation of information that is used in one’s business and presents an opportunity to obtain an advantage over competitors who do not...

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | #Fiduciary Duty

Who is a fiduciary under Texas law?

As a recent opinion by the Fifth Circuit indicates, an employment agreement that provides that all work product created by the employee becomes the property of the employer may give rise to a fiduciary relationship between the employee and employer. In that opinion, a company entered into an employment agreement with a chemist. The contract provided that “[a]ny formulae,...

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | #Tortious Interference

What is Tortious Interference Under Texas Law?

A recent opinion by the Dallas Court of Appeals demonstrates that merely inducing a party to a contract to do something that it is permitted to do under the contract generally cannot, standing alone, constitute tortious interference. In that case, a bank held a piece of real property in trust. A partnership executed a contract with the bank to...

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| Read Time: 2 minutes | #Noncompete Agreements

Texas Noncompete Agreements: Not Always Enforceable, Even After Marsh USA

Even after the Marsh USA case, some noncompete agreements are still unenforceable in Texas.  In a recent opinion by the Texarkana Court of Appeals, the noncompete agreement stated as follows:  I agree not to seek employment on a temporary, contract or permanent basis at any company where introduced by Hiring Partners, Inc. for a period of ninety (90) days....

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