Trade Secrets & Unfair Competition

Protecting Your Business from the Inside Out

Your business is more than what you sell—it’s how you do it. Proprietary methods, client lists, processes, pricing, and know-how often form the competitive edge that makes your company valuable. At HLH Attorneys, we help business owners protect that edge and take action when others cross the line.

Whether someone has walked off with sensitive information, breached a non-compete agreement, or used unfair tactics to damage your business, we’re here to help you assess the situation and respond effectively.

What Are Trade Secrets?

Trade secrets are confidential business assets that provide competitive value. They can include:

  • Client or vendor lists
  • Proprietary software or algorithms
  • Pricing structures and financial models
  • Internal workflows or business methods
  • Formulas, recipes, or manufacturing processes
  • Marketing plans or product development roadmaps

Unlike patents or trademarks, trade secrets aren’t publicly registered. That means protecting them requires careful internal policies—and fast legal action when a breach occurs.

Unfair Competition: What It Looks Like

Unfair competition occurs when a business or individual uses deceptive, unethical, or unlawful practices to gain an advantage. These actions often overlap with breach of contract, intellectual property violations, or fiduciary duty breaches.

Common examples of unfair competition:

  • Poaching clients using confidential information
  • False advertising or misrepresentation
  • Employee or partner misappropriation of trade secrets
  • Breach of non-solicitation or non-compete agreements
  • Hijacking business opportunities meant for your company

If you suspect a competitor—or a former employee—is using your information to unfairly compete, HLH can help you take action before it damages your bottom line.

How HLH Attorneys Helps

We provide both proactive and responsive legal services in trade secret and unfair competition matters.

Our services include:

  • Drafting and enforcing non-compete, non-disclosure, and non-solicitation agreements
  • Investigating and documenting misappropriation of confidential information
  • Sending cease and desist letters and initiating injunctive relief
  • Pursuing or defending claims of trade secret theft under state and federal laws (e.g., Uniform Trade Secrets Act, Defend Trade Secrets Act)
  • Litigating damages claims where losses can be quantified and recovered

A Strategic, Business-Minded Approach

Trade secret disputes are rarely black and white. They’re fact-heavy, time-sensitive, and often high stakes—especially when a key employee, partner, or competitor is involved. That’s why we approach these matters with speed, precision, and discretion.

At HLH, we know your goal isn’t just to “win a case”—it’s to protect your business and get back to work. We’ll help you identify the best way forward, whether that’s enforcing an agreement, negotiating a resolution, or going to court.

Serving Oregon & Washington Business Owners

HLH Attorneys is a Portland-based business law firm serving clients across Oregon and Washington—including Vancouver, Sherwood, Rhododendron, and beyond. We’re experienced in local business law, familiar with the realities of high-trust industries, and dedicated to providing legal support that’s actually useful.

Need to Protect a Trade Secret or Enforce a Non-Compete?

Don’t wait until the damage is done. If you believe someone has misused your confidential information or violated an agreement, the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

📞 Schedule a consultation with HLH Attorneys

We’ll help you understand your rights, your options, and the smartest next step.