Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Georgia

Re: Are they really trade secrets? Why won't they give me my contract?

It is interesting that the company will not give you a copy of your contract. If they absolutely refuse to give you a copy of the contract and you really need it, you may be forced to file a lawsuit against them to obtain it. As to your question about trade secrets, information that is generally known in the industry usually cannot be protected as a trade secret. However, in the securities industry, courts have held that customer lists and specific marketing and strategy information, if reasonably protected by the company, can be a trade secret. While you may be prohibited from using true trade secrets for as long as the trade secrets remain actual secrets, you could not be prohibited from working in the industry for ever, if you did not use such trade secrets. Non-compete covenants must have reasonable limits as to scope, territory and duration.

The foregoing is general information only, not specific legal advice. Consult with your own attorney before taking legal action. No attorney/client relationship has been created or should be implied by anything contained herein.