Laura Smolowe Speaks with IAM on How Companies Can Protect Trade Secrets During Mass Layoffs

Munger, Tolles & Olson partner Laura Smolowe spoke with IAM about measures companies can take to protect their trade secrets in an article titled, “Shielding Trade Secrets During Mass Layoffs And Lessons From The Home Of High Tech.”

The article examines how mass layoffs, especially in the tech industry, may increase the risk of trade secret theft. Ms. Smolowe notes that when a large number of workers are laid off, it can be challenging for employers to track who is leaving, what information they had access to and where they are going. She emphasizes the importance of helping departing employees understand which information is acceptable to take and which is not and recommends having face-to-face conversations to address questions directly. Good planning, she said, starts with sitting down with an employment lawyer to create an organized list of measures a company can take to protect its trade secrets before layoffs are made.

“Layoffs are the time when emotions are high and you don’t want someone to walk out with valuable information feeling bad about you,” she said.

Read the full IAM article. (Subscription may be required)