What legal steps can I take to protect my company's trade secrets?

As a lawyer, I would advise that there are several legal steps that can be taken to protect a company’s trade secrets:

1. Identify the trade secrets: It is crucial to identify and document all trade secrets that require protection, including technology, client lists, business strategies, and pricing methods.
2. Implement strict employment policies: Employees represent one of the greatest risks to a company’s trade secrets. Employee agreements should contain non-disclosure and non-compete clauses, and they should limit access to trade secrets to only those employees who strictly require that access.
3. Use physical and technological safeguards: Trade secrets can be protected by securing and monitoring physical and digital assets that contain said secrets, such as limiting access to server rooms, securing physical documents in locked cabinets, using password protection, and implementing data loss prevention systems.
4. Confidentiality agreements: Companies should require a confidentiality agreement to be signed by any third-party, including vendors, contractors, and partners, who come in contact with the company’s confidential information.
5. Take Legal Action: If a trade secret is stolen or misappropriated, legal action should be taken immediately. Companies should have a comprehensive plan that includes measures such as issuing cease and desist letters, filing for injunctive relief, and taking legal action against the perpetrators under trade secret laws and other applicable legal theories.

Limitations or exceptions to trade secret protection may arise in cases where the company's trade secrets are disclosed by the company, or where the information is deemed to be something that is common knowledge. In such cases, the company may not be able to claim trade secret protection.

In conclusion, trade secret protection is a complex and multifaceted area of law. Companies should take proactive measures to identify, secure, and protect their trade secrets, including implementing comprehensive policies, procedures, and employee agreements. Companies should also take immediate legal action in the event of trade secret theft or misappropriation. To ensure maximum legal protection, it is always recommended that companies consult with experienced attorneys in trade secret law.