Texas Energy Sees Uptick in Non-Compete, Trade Secrets Litigation

摘要

Texas energy companies have been encouraged by the slow-but-steady recovery of the industry. Activity in Texas (the Permian Basin, for instance) is more robust than in others, but the general improvement has meant a stronger balance sheet for many employers. The increased financial stability, however, can mean instability in another aspect of the business - an increase in the number of highly qualified personnel jumping ship to go work for a competitor.Economic downturns tend to discourage employees from leaving current employers mainly because other positions are hard to come by. When conditions improve, employees are emboldened to make career moves they had been putting off. The only thing worse than learning that a key employee is leaving to work for your biggest competitor is to learn that he is doing so armed with your trade secrets and other proprietary information.