Can Employees Get in Trouble for Taking Confidential Information or Trade Secrets?
It is very dangerous for employees to use, possess, or disclose their employer’s trade secrets or confidential information except as necessary to carry out their job duties, especially after the employment relationship ends. Even if the employee has not signed a written non-disclosure or non-compete agreement, the employee may have the legal duty not to use or disclose the employer’s confidential information or trade secrets. If the employer concludes that the employee has misappropriated this information, the employer can sue the employee (and any third party who has acquired the trade secrets, such as the employee’s new employer).
