Limited Disclosure of Software at Tradeshow Doesn't Destroy Trade Secret Protection
QSRSoft, Inc. (QSRSoft) is a manufacturer of an Internet based computer software system used by restaurant franchise owners. Restaurant Technology, Inc. (RTI) is a competitor of QSRSoft. QSRSoft filed a trade secrets misappropriation lawsuit against RTI. QSRSoft alleged that RTI accessed QSRSoft's software system by using the password of a QSRSoft licensee and that RTI used the software as a guide for creating its own competing product. In response, RTI argued that QSRSoft did not adequately protect its software system because, among other things, QSRSoft demonstrates its software at tradeshows. In granting QSRSoft?s motion for a preliminary injunction, the federal court held that QSRSoft's limited disclosure of its software system at tradeshows did not destroy the trade secret protection. The court cited other steps taken by QSRSoft to protect its software, including its licensing arrangements and password-protected Web site. QSRSoft, Inc. v. Restaurant Technology, Inc. (U.S. Dist. Ct. N. D. Ill. No. 06 C 2734, October 19, 2006).
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