Whether secret formulas/recipes, algorithms, manufacturing techniques, or valuable business information (e.g., customer lists), Calfee’s Trade Secret practice is adept at recognizing and documenting trade secrets, which can be critical for establishing prior user rights and seeking relief for misappropriation.
Calfee’s trade secret attorneys have experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in trade secret matters across diverse industries, involving both state and federal law. We also have experience coordinating with law enforcement officials during trade secret theft investigations.
Calfee’s attorneys have worked closely with clients to establish workplace cultures (e.g., standards and controls) that foster the safekeeping of trade secrets. We partner with clients to perform periodic audits to ensure that trade secret portfolios evolve as a company’s proprietary technology evolves.
Our trade secret lawyers frequently assist clients with trade secret-related issues, such as drafting and reviewing agreements with third parties involving the sharing of trade secrets, as well as providing guidance on leveraging proprietary technology to strengthen a company’s brand and, thus, its valuation.
Since 2004, Calfee has been recognized as a Leading Law Firm for Intellectual Property by Chambers USA, most recently in Band 1 in Ohio (2024).
Clients provided feedback to Chambers USA researchers, "Calfee is esteemed for its handling of IP litigation and portfolio management on behalf of large clients in Ohio and the Midwest and across the USA. The IP team is highly experienced in the engineering, chemical, and biological sectors, with notable abilities in handling matters for consumer products and manufacturing clients. The team is responsive, practical, and extremely knowledgeable."
Clients interviewed by Chambers USA said, "The firm offers excellent value for its services. The team is dedicated and provides sophisticated IP legal services at an attractive cost. Calfee's IP attorneys are highly regarded; they are true experts, and they do excellent work for their clients. This is a power bench; the team works well together and supports each other well. Each individual is responsive and knowledgeable in their expertise and experience. This is definitely one of my favorite firms to work with."
Chambers USA researchers also found Calfee's IP team to be held in "very high regard by fellow practitioners who note Calfee's extensive experience representing clients in wider patent and trademark matters, IP litigation matters, appellate work, and advising companies on managing IP assets in China."
Calfee was selected for inclusion in the 2025 "Best Law Firms" rankings in the following areas:
"Calfee's IP group is esteemed for its handling of IP litigation and portfolio management on behalf of large clients in Ohio, the Midwest, and across the USA. They are highly experienced in the engineering, chemical, and biological sectors, with notable abilities in handling matters for consumer products and manufacturing clients."
Client quote, Chambers USA
