Misappropriation of Trade Secrets Lawyer in Burlington County, NJ
Misappropriation of trade secrets in Burlington County is a serious civil and potential criminal offense under New Jersey law, including the New Jersey Trade Secrets Act (N.J.S.A. 56:15-1 et seq.) and the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused legal defense for businesses and individuals accused of stealing confidential information.
New Jersey Law on Trade Secret Misappropriation
The New Jersey Trade Secrets Act defines a trade secret as information that derives independent economic value from not being generally known and is subject to reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy. Misappropriation includes acquiring a trade secret by improper means or disclosing/using it without consent. Remedies can include injunctions, damages, and attorney’s fees. In egregious cases, criminal prosecution under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-1 (theft) may apply.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the state statute, see the New Jersey Trade Secrets Act (N.J.S.A. 56:15-1 et seq.) on the official state legislature website. For local court procedures and forms, visit the Burlington Vicinage website.
Burlington County Court Process for Trade Secret Cases
Trade secret misappropriation cases in Burlington County are filed in the Law Division of the Superior Court. The process is demanding and fact-intensive, often involving expedited requests for temporary restraining orders (TROs) and preliminary injunctions to prevent further disclosure. The court will schedule case management conferences to establish discovery timelines, which are critical as they involve protecting sensitive information during evidence exchange.
- Filing and Initial Pleadings: The plaintiff files a Complaint, often with an Order to Show Cause for a TRO. The defendant must respond quickly, typically within days.
- Expedited Discovery & Protective Orders: The court may order expedited discovery. A protective order governing the handling of confidential information is almost always established.
- Injunction Hearings: A hearing on the preliminary injunction is a critical early-stage mini-trial where both sides present evidence on the likelihood of success.
- Full Discovery Phase: If the case proceeds, full discovery occurs, including depositions, document requests, and experienced reports on damages and technical matters.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): The court will refer the case to mandatory mediation or an Early Settlement Panel.
- Trial or Settlement: Cases may proceed to a bench or jury trial, but most settle after discovery or during ADR.
Potential Penalties and Consequences
In Burlington County, a finding of trade secret misappropriation can lead to injunctions, significant monetary damages, and payment of the plaintiff’s legal fees.
| Potential Remedy | Description | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Injunctive Relief | Court orders prohibiting further use or disclosure of the trade secret. | N.J.S.A. 56:15-3 |
| Actual Damages | Compensation for the plaintiff’s actual loss and the defendant’s unjust enrichment. | N.J.S.A. 56:15-4 |
| Reasonable Royalty | Damages based on the value of a hypothetical license for the trade secret. | N.J.S.A. 56:15-4 |
| Exemplary Damages | Up to twice the actual damages award if willful and malicious misappropriation is found. | N.J.S.A. 56:15-4 |
| Attorney’s Fees | Court may award fees to the prevailing party if a claim is made or defended in bad faith. | N.J.S.A. 56:15-5 |
| Criminal Charges | Possible prosecution for theft under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-1, skilled to fines and incarceration. | N.J.S.A. 2C:20-1 et seq. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Business Litigation
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm’s combined legal experience exceeds 120 years. We approach each trade secret case with a detailed understanding of both the legal standards and the business realities at stake. Our goal is to resolve disputes efficiently while protecting our client’s core interests, whether they are defending against an allegation or pursuing a claim of confidential information misappropriation.
Legal Guidance for Burlington County Residents
If you are involved in a dispute over trade secrets, immediate action is important. Whether you need a trade secret theft lawyer Burlington County for defense or to bring a claim, our team can assess the strength of your case, advise on litigation strategy, and work towards a resolution. We represent clients across Burlington County communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-0900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Burlington County courts. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike and I-295. If you need a misappropriation of trade secrets lawyer Burlington County near Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, or Moorestown, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation. Meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a “trade secret” in New Jersey?
Yes. Under N.J.S.A. 56:15-2, a trade secret is information that has independent economic value from not being generally known, and is subject to reasonable efforts to keep it secret. This includes formulas, patterns, programs, devices, methods, techniques, or processes.
Can I be sued personally for trade secret misappropriation if I changed jobs?
It depends. If you used or disclosed your former employer’s confidential information at your new job, you and potentially your new employer could face a lawsuit. A key defense often involves proving the information was not truly secret or was developed independently.
What should I do if I receive a cease-and-desist letter about trade secrets?
Do not ignore it. Contact an attorney as early as possible. A confidential information misappropriation lawyer Burlington County can review the allegations, advise on your legal exposure, and help craft a response to protect your position before litigation is filed.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a trade secret lawsuit in NJ?
Three years. An action for misappropriation must be brought within three years after the misappropriation is discovered or should have been discovered. There is a five-year absolute limit from the date of the act.
Can a trade secret case be criminal in New Jersey?
Yes. While most cases are civil, the theft of trade secrets can be prosecuted under New Jersey’s criminal theft statutes, which can result in fines and imprisonment, particularly if the theft was intentional and for commercial advantage.
Related Practice Areas: Business Lawyer Burlington County | Contract Lawyer Burlington County
Other Locations: Civil Litigation Lawyer Atlantic County | Civil Litigation Lawyer Camden County
Learn More: New Jersey Civil Litigation Lawyer
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Misappropriation of Trade Secrets Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Misappropriation of Trade Secrets Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Misappropriation of Trade Secrets Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.