Trade

Pecan growth marketA tariff in China or any other U.S. trading partner increases consumer prices in that country, potentially costing American producers business. Among those in Texas hit by China's new levies are pecan growers, who've seen a huge growth market in Asia for the nut of the state tree. … [Read more...] about Trump’s trade war hits home: China’s retaliatory tariffs target Texas pecans, grapefruit

White House officials plan to formally notify Congress of the proposed renegotiation by Friday, saying such a deal would "ideally" involve Canada. Then lawmakers will have the opportunity to weigh in, presenting opportunities and challenges of their own. … [Read more...] about President Trump signs off on new trade deal with Mexico to revamp NAFTA: ‘It’s a big day for our country’

But experts remain skeptical, especially given Canada's absence in the latest round of negotiations, and some are questioning the legality of the bilateral deal. Trump was given authority by Congress to renegotiate a trilateral agreement that includes Canada, which rejoins the talks Tuesday. … [Read more...] about Trade deal lets Mexico ease Trump, border uncertainties — or does it?

Most U.S. companies are now aware of the protections afforded by the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1836, et seq. (the “DTSA”).  Of most importance is that the DTSA created a uniform legislation that provides companies with a private civil cause of action for trade secret misappropriation.  As a result of enactment of the DTSA, a company that is the victim of trade secret theft has standing to file a civil suit in federal court.  The company may also report the theft to the United States Department of Justice because, in certain cases, the theft of trade secrets constitutes a crime under the federal Economic Espionage Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1831, et seq. (the “EEA”). … [Read more...] about Secrets to Protecting Trade Secrets Abroad

Employers have had better luck in the past with choice-of-forum provisions, and federal courts in California have enforced those provisions in some instances.6 When the choice-of-forum provision is enforced, it can make it difficult on an employee who may have to defend a non-compete lawsuit in another jurisdiction, where those courts may be less inclined to apply California law to the dispute. This “loophole” was substantially closed on January 1, 2017, with new legislation that prohibits employers from requiring, as a condition of employment, that employees who primarily reside and work in California agree to litigate claims outside of California that arise in California or otherwise deprive the employee of the substantive protections of California law.7 While an employee may nevertheless sign such agreements, they are voidable at the employee’s option unless he or she was individually represented by counsel to negotiate the venue or choice-of-law … [Read more...] about What Will Not Work to Protect Trade Secrets or Enforce Non-Competes in California