IP Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Safeguarding Trade Secrets

Washington, D.C. -- On Tuesday, April 17 at 2:00 p.m., the Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Subcommittee will hold a hearing to examine the effectiveness of U.S. trade secret laws, including the Defend Trade Secrets Act, to protect trade secrets, which include such vital proprietary information as confidential formulas, manufacturing techniques, and even customer lists. The witnesses for Tuesday’s hearing are:

• Mr. Kenneth R. Corsello, Chair, Trade Secrets Committee, Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO)
• Mr. James H. Pooley, James Pooley, PLC
• Mr. David S. Almeling, Partner, O’Melveny & Myers LLP

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet Subcommittee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) issued the following statements in advance of this hearing. Chairman Goodlatte: “Creativity and innovation has been one of the primary drivers of our nation’s economy, and our ability to protect innovation has made the United States the envy of the world. From algorithms to secret formulas, trade secrets are what make companies competitive in a global marketplace, and we recognize the need to protect these vital components of business from bad actors and thieves. “Tomorrow, the IP subcommittee will examine U.S. laws designed to protect our trade secrets, including the Defend Trade Secrets Act, a product of this Committee, to determine if additional reforms are needed.” Subcommittee Chairman Issa: “As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to ensure that the right rules are in place to protect intellectual property from misappropriation. The protection of trade secrets has become increasingly important as we continue to shift to an information and innovation economy. This hearing will help the Committee better understand the challenges in this space and whether further legislation to protect trade secrets may be necessary.” This hearing will take place in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building and will be webcast live at judiciary.house.gov. Camera crews wishing to cover must be congressionally credentialed and RSVP with the House Radio-TV Gallery at (202) 225-5214.