Andrews Kurth Attorney Greg Porter Plays Key Role in Texas Trade Secrets Legislation

(Houston, Texas)–On May 2nd Texas Governor Rick Perry signed into law the Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act, codifying what is protectable as a trade secret and what constitutes trade secret misappropriation. Houston attorney Gregory L. Porter, a Partner at Andrews Kurth LLP, assisted in authoring the legislation and testified in its support before the Texas Legislature.

Texas becomes the 48^th state to adopt a version of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act relating to the protection of trade secrets. Previously, Texas businesses were burdened with unclear and sometimes conflicting trade secrets law, and this new legislation seeks to strengthen the state’s economy by bringing Texas trade secret law in line with the rest of the country.

“This legislation provides a better framework for those businesses that rely on trade secret protection and more predictability for attorneys, businesses and individuals that become involved in trade secret litigation,” says Mr. Porter. “I’m proud of being able to contribute to this legislation, and believe the new paradigm under the Trade Secrets Act will serve businesses in Texas well.”

Mr. Porter was part of a small working group who drafted the original legislation and worked with the bill’s sponsors in the legislature. Mr. Porter also testified before the House Technology subcommittee on March 18 and the Senate State Affairs committee on March 25 in support of the Trade Secrets Act. The Texas Senate passed the bill on April 9, and the Texas House of Representatives issued its approval on April 23.

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For more than a century, Andrews Kurth has built its practice on the belief that “straight talk is good business.” Real answers, clear vision and mutual respect define the firm’s relationships with clients, colleagues, communities and employees. With over 400 lawyers and offices in Austin, Beijing, Dallas, Houston, London, New York, The Woodlands and Washington, DC, Andrews Kurth represents a wide array of clients in multiple industries.