Articles Discussing Restrictive Covenants In New Jersey.

On January 9, 2012, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed into law the New Jersey Trade Secrets Act, which establishes principles governing protection of trade secrets and remedies for their misappropriation. In doing so, New Jersey has joined the mainstream in the trade secrets arena: New York, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Texas are the only remaining states without a statute modeled on the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. While the New Jersey Trade Secrets Act introduces a statutory framework governing trade secret protection, in many respects it does no more than codify existing case law. The Act became effective on January 9, 2012.

Joining the vast majority of jurisdictions in the country, New Jersey has enacted a law to protect trade secrets. The New Jersey Trade Secrets Act (“NJTSAâ€), signed by Governor Chris Christie on January 9, 2012, is a version of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act (“UTSAâ€). A total of 47 states have now adopted some variation of the UTSA. The new law is effective immediately. The full text of the NJTSA can be found at: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2010/Bills/S2500/2456_R1.HTM.

A new civil action for the misappropriation of trade secrets, with remedies for the aggrieved holder of a trade secret, would be created under legislation passed by the New Jersey General Assembly and the New Jersey Senate. The New Jersey Trade Secrets Act (A-921) must be signed by Governor Chris Christie before becoming law. Once signed, the Act will take effect immediately. It will not apply retroactively.