Trade secrets - cases in the news

From the Boston Globe of September 21, a trade secrets case that pulled in the United States Army and the Justice Department.

Robotics firm says rival stole designs:

It's hard to miss the similarities between iRobot Corp.'s military robot and one produced by a new rival when the two models are side by side. Both have track wheels that can climb over debris or rough terrain and an extendable arm that can defuse a bomb or hold a camera.

"But iRobot says the similarities are more than a coincidence. In a case complete with private detectives and accusations of downloaded documents and shredded evidence, iRobot alleged last month that Robotic FX's products were built with trade secrets stolen by the upstart company's founder, a former iRobot engineer"

Remember Indiana law requires that the business has taken steps to safeguard its trade secrets. Here is a twist on the old problem of security:

The suit, filed in Massachusetts and Alabama, offers a rare glimpse into allegations of theft in the high-tech industry. Mike Slattery, senior managing director of business intelligence and investigations at FTI Consulting Inc. in New York and a 30-year veteran of the FBI, said now-common technologies like e-mail and flash-memory drives make it easier for employees to copy trade secrets.

"Years back, it would be hard copy," said Slattery. "As competition increases in various industries and marketplaces, the risk becomes higher," Slattery said.