Trade secrets are a form of intellectual property. Their theft can lead to civil litigation against the alleged thief, as well as criminal prosecution by

Trade secrets are a form of intellectual property. Their theft can lead to civil litigation against the alleged thief, as well as criminal prosecution by
Few employees realize that when they take their employers’ trade secrets with them prior to leaving their job they may be exposing themselves to criminal liability under the Economic Espionage Act, which makes it a crime to steal trade secrets when (1) the information relates to a product in interstate or foreign commerce (which is virtually any product now days) or (2) the intended beneficiary is a foreign power.