Russell Beck was quoted by Dow Jones’ VentureWire discussing a recent move by the Department of Energy to categorize the total cost of renewable energy projects, backed by billions of dollars in federal loans, as non-public information. The DOE’s decision was in response to requests from loan recipients. Beck’s discussion concerned whether or not a project’s total cost could be classified as a trade secret. The full story is available here. The Wall Street Journal’s Venture Capital Dispatch blog mentions the post here.
Russell was quoted as in the article as follows:
Total cost of a project can be considered a trade secret, but only if a company can prove the information could give a competitor an economic advantage, according to Russell Beck, attorney with the law firm Beck Reed Riden LLP and a professor at the Boston University School of Law’s Intellectual Property program. Just because the cost is confidential doesn’t automatically make it a trade secret, he said, especially in cases where the contract is already signed with a customer as opposed to still being part of a confidential bid process. The fact that the information was open to the public, and to competitors, for several months on the government website is also likely to disqualify it from being subject of trade secret laws, Beck said.
Russell Beck frequently writes and speaks about noncompete agreements and other restrictive covenants.
About Us
Beck Reed Riden LLP is Boston’s innovative litigation boutique. Our lawyers have years of experience at large law firms, working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation and labor and employment. We are experienced litigators and counselors, helping our clients as business partners to resolve issues and develop strategies that best meet our clients’ legal and business needs – before, during, and after litigation. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help you. Read more about us, the types of matters we handle, and what we can do for you here.