HKM Wins at Trial. HKM served as co-counsel representing defendants Delta Inn, Inc. and Hung G. Kim in a multi-million claim regarding the ownership of Delta Inn. On December 19, 2011, after a four-week bench trial in King County Superior Court, the court issued a verdict in favor of defendants. Soon In Kim v. Delta Inn et. al., 10-2-19547-5 SEA (King County Superior Court).

Congratulations to Partners Donald W. Heyrich and Dan Kalish who were recognized by Washington Law and Politics once again. Donald W. Heyrich was named a SuperLawyer by the magazine, and Dan Kalish was named a Rising Star.

HKM Wins Jury Verdict For Former Employee. HKM represented plaintiff Wendy Dorn in two-week jury trial regarding overtime wages. On September 15, 2011, jury returned verdict in favor of Ms. Dorn and, on November 30, 2011, the court awarded attorneys’ fees. Dorn v. Kent Post No. 15 et. al., 10-2-10169-1 KNT (King County Superior Court).

HKM Obtains Class Certification in Overtime Claim. On September 13, 2011, the Federal District Court in Oregon certified a class of Sleep Country sales associates in an overtime claim against the company. HKM represents the Sleep Country class. Shanklin et.al. v. Sleep Country USA, Inc., 3:10-CV 00406-MO (D. Or.).

HKM Writes Employment Discrimination Section of the Washington State Practice Manual. As in previous year, HKM has written the Employment Discrimination section of the Washington State Practice Manual. The publication is expected to be published in early 2012.

HKM Expands with New Hire. On September 28, 2011, attorney Cindy Lin joined HKM as a full-time associate attorney. You can learn more about Ms. Lin here.

HKM Prevails in Non-Compete Case. HKM represented Robert Heffner, current CEO of Falck North America, in non-compete lawsuit filed by Rural Metro Corp., after Mr. Heffner left Rural/Metro. Rural/Metro dismissed the case on November 4, 2010 after Heffner prevailed at TRO hearing. Rural Metro Corp. v. Heffner, 2:10-CV-02292-GMS (D. Ariz.).

Washington Trade Secrets Attorney

Protecting Trade Secrets and Confidential Information

There is a section of employment law which addresses the protecting of trade secrets and confidential information. The legal definition of a trade secret is any valuable commercial information that provides one business with a distinct advantage over their competitors, as the competitors do not have that same information. Trade secrets can be inventions, ideas, plans, formulas, programs, tools, techniques, processes, devices and other such items that are not readily known and available to the general public.

A trade secret doesn't need to be a secret per se, as trade secrets can be revealed to employees and others who can be trusted with the information. The only stipulation being that those individuals must understand the information is confidential and any disclosure or revelation is considered a violation of trade secret laws. The protection of trade secrets is often included in non-disclosure and non-compete agreements.

Many times there is confusion surrounding what is legally considered a trade secret and what isn't. It is critical for either an employee or employer who has been faced with a trade secrets claim to consult with a Washington employment law attorney from our firm right away. Our skilled attorneys have over 40 years combined experience and will be able to accurately review your claim and can evaluation your situation with regard to potential legal action.

Preparing Documents to Protect Trade Secrets

If you or your business need help preparing documents or protecting trade secrets, we can help. We understand how important it can be to a business to protect its trade secrets from competitors. We also understand the need for non-disclosure, non-compete and trade secret agreements as part of employee contracts.

So, whether you need documents prepared to protect trade secrets, need representation because you are accused of stealing or divulging trade secrets or need representation because you feel someone is using trade secrets from your business, you need legal representation that is extremely familiar with this issue and how to address it effectively and without delay .

Contact a Washington employment law attorney at HKM Employment Attorneys today. Scheduling a private consultation will allow our expert attorneys to do a full review of your situation and plan out the most effective legal approach.