Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA): Federal law enacted in 2016 that provides a national framework for trade secret protection and creates a federal cause of action for trade secret misappropriation
Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA): State-level legislation adopted by most states that provides uniform standards for trade secret protection at the state level
Copyright Act: Federal law protecting original works of authorship, which may be relevant when mental impressions involve creative or original content
Patent Law: Federal laws governing intellectual property rights, particularly relevant when mental impressions might include potentially patentable ideas
State Employment Laws: State-specific regulations governing employment relationships, non-compete agreements, and confidentiality obligations
National Labor Relations Act (NLRA): Federal law protecting workers' rights, which may impact the scope and enforceability of confidentiality agreements
State Contract Laws: State-specific laws governing contract formation, enforcement, and remedies, including consideration requirements
State Privacy Laws: State-specific regulations protecting individual privacy rights and governing data protection
Attorney-Client Privilege: Legal principle protecting confidential communications between attorneys and clients, particularly relevant for mental impressions in legal contexts
Work Product Doctrine: Legal principle protecting materials prepared in anticipation of litigation, including mental impressions of attorneys
First Amendment: Constitutional protection of free speech rights that may limit the scope of confidentiality agreements
Industry-Specific Regulations: Sector-specific rules and requirements governing confidentiality in particular industries or professions
