Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Virginia

Trade Secret?

There is an adult sports league in my town and me and a few friends started a similar league offering different sports. I once played in the other league and received a few emails about standings, schedule, etc. When marketing our new league, I took every mass email I have been apart of (including one from the other league) and tried to market my new league. The owner of the other league is now saying he can sue our league for stealing trade secrets by using one of his email distribution lists. Is this possible? I didn't sign any non-compete or anything like that, I simply used an email list I was included on. Thanks in advance


Asked on 7/14/08, 2:02 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lee Berlik BerlikLaw, LLC

Re: Trade Secret?

READ THIS FIRST: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop reading now.

RESPONSE:

The owner of the other league may be right. In certain circumstances, "customer lists" will qualify as trade secrets. It would be a good idea to sit down with a lawyer and discuss all the details.

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Answered on 7/15/08, 10:47 am


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