Cravath has unparalleled experience in assisting businesses in defending their valuable trade secrets. Litigation to prevent improper disclosure of trade secrets almost always proceeds on an extremely expedited basis, with the owner of the secrets seeking emergency relief against improper use or disclosure and seeking an early trial on its claims. Cravath’s litigation expertise—especially the breadth and depth of its courtroom experience—is invaluable in prosecuting (or defending) claims involving trade secrets. The Firm has compiled an excellent record representing its clients as plaintiffs in such litigation and has repeatedly obtained preliminary injunctions on behalf of its clients. Cravath also represents companies charged with misappropriation or improper use of others’ trade secrets and has successfully defended cases of that kind for a range of clients. The Firm has litigated trade secrets cases in a variety of industries, including computer technology, insurance and reinsurance, telecommunications and finance. As the 2012 edition of The Legal 500 US recognized, Cravath has a “strong specialization in bringing complex, high-value trade secret disputes to trial on behalf of plaintiffs in the insurance, finance and technology sectors, and also defending them against claims.”

Cravath also possesses substantial experience in investigating potential or suspected misuse or misappropriation of trade secrets. The Firm frequently advises clients on methods of protecting proprietary information, including confidentiality and noncompetition agreements with employees, and conducts due diligence with respect to unpatented proprietary information in connection with mergers and acquisitions and other transactions.