A Playbook for Protecting Trade Secrets in the Modern Digital Age and Under Pennsylvania Law
Trade secrets are the lifeblood of many companies. Whether in the form of research and development, compilations of data, key internal strategies, innovative formulae or processes, unique methodologies, or even financial information, virtually every business has to keep confidential information protected to maintain long-term growth and profits, as well as to maintain and improve the company’s position in the market against competitors. But in the modern digital age, where virtually all information is stored electronically, one of the greatest risks for potential misappropriation or exploitation of a company’s trade secrets is through devices, applications, and systems that employees and contractors use every single day. As the legal and technological landscapes continue to evolve, and as new means of storing and exfiltrating data emerge, companies must take proactive steps to ensure that their trade secrets are protected and that access to them is appropriately restricted and monitored.
Pennsylvania’s version of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act (like its federal companion, the Defend Trade Secrets Act) provides substantial protections and a broad array of remedies. However, a company typically must engage in lengthy, costly litigation to avail itself of those statutory remedies. Litigation also often arises as an option after the damage is already done, and litigation itself can risk disclosure and public airing of the very trade secrets at issue. As a result, protecting valuable trade secrets from inception, and in the right way, remains the best practice to avoid litigation in the first place.
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"Trade Secrets 2026 – USA – Pennsylvania," by Leigh Ann Buziak, William R. Cruse, Kevin M. Passerini, and Timothy J. Miller was published in Chambers and Partners on April 28, 2026.