Trade Secret Litigation and Dispute Counseling

We understand how trade secrets function inside complex businesses and how to proactively manage disputes to protect growth, relationships and value. Cooley’s trade secret lawyers advise clients on misappropriation risk, confidentiality obligations, restrictive covenants and contract‑based claims with a clear understanding of the commercial drivers behind each situation. Each client’s business priorities inform our legal strategies to protect proprietary information while supporting broader operational and strategic goals.

For decades, Cooley has helped innovative companies safeguard the confidential information that underpins their competitive advantage. Our trade secret litigation lawyers advise clients across the full life cycle of trade secret risk, from early‑stage protection and strategic counseling to investigations and enforcement.

Cooley brings trial‑ready strength to the most consequential trade secret disputes. We have delivered results in high‑stakes litigation across trial courts, arbitrations and appeals, including urgent injunction matters, and we apply seasoned judgment to determine when to litigate hard, when to narrow the fight and when early resolution best serves the business.

We conduct robust internal investigations into suspected trade secret misappropriation, navigating complex intersections of technology, employment, data and due diligence, including matters involving proprietary technology, sensitive research and development, and regulated environments common to emerging technology and life sciences companies. Our lawyers help clients assess facts, preserve evidence and make informed decisions under time pressure, whether that means pursuing claims, preparing defenses or stabilizing sensitive situations before they escalate.

Clients rely on Cooley’s full firm platform for a holistic, cross-disciplinary approach in fast-moving trade secret matters. We integrate experience across IP litigation, employment, cybersecurity and data, corporate and regulatory teams to deliver coordinated strategies in disputes that cut across legal and operational boundaries.

From emerging growth companies to global market leaders across innovative sectors – including AI, software, digital services, advanced hardware, cybersecurity and life sciences, clients turn to Cooley to protect their valuable IP. Our long-standing focus on innovation‑driven industries allows us to anticipate challenges and deliver practical, forward‑looking solutions.