Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA): Federal law providing uniform federal protection for trade secrets, including remedies and whistleblower protections
Economic Espionage Act: Federal criminal law protecting against theft or misappropriation of trade secrets
Patent Act (35 U.S.C.): Federal law governing patent rights, invention ownership, and protection of patentable innovations
Copyright Act (17 U.S.C.): Federal law protecting original works of authorship and determining ownership of copyrightable materials
National Labor Relations Act: Federal law protecting employees' rights and affecting how confidentiality provisions can be implemented
Uniform Trade Secrets Act: State-level legislation (adopted with variations by most states) providing framework for trade secret protection
State Employment Laws: Various state-specific regulations governing employment relationships and workplace rights
State Non-Compete Regulations: State-specific rules governing the enforceability and limitations of non-compete provisions
State Invention Assignment Laws: State-specific laws (like California Labor Code ยง 2870) limiting employer rights to employee inventions
Federal Circuit Court Precedents: Binding case law decisions affecting interpretation and enforcement of intellectual property rights
Consideration Requirements: Legal requirement for valid contract formation, ensuring adequate exchange of value between parties
Severability Provisions: Legal principle allowing contract survival if certain provisions are found unenforceable
