Corporate Investigations · Empire Investigation · Pittsburgh, PA
Trade Secret Investigations
Trade secrets represent some of the most valuable assets a company owns — formulations, processes, client data, software, designs, and institutional knowledge that took years and millions of dollars to develop. When that knowledge walks out the door in a former employee's laptop or in a competitor's suspiciously familiar product launch, the damage can be existential. Empire Investigation LLC investigates trade secret theft and misappropriation for Pittsburgh companies, working alongside legal counsel to document violations of the Defend Trade Secrets Act and Pennsylvania's Uniform Trade Secrets Act.
Trade secret investigations involve identifying the vector of disclosure, documenting the perpetrator's access and actions, and establishing the evidentiary link between your proprietary information and its unauthorized appearance elsewhere. Empire Investigation handles the field investigation while working in close coordination with digital forensics specialists, your IT team, and your legal counsel.
What This Investigation Covers
- Unauthorized access to proprietary formulas, processes, or designs
- Theft of trade secrets by departing or terminated employees
- Transfer of confidential information to competitors
- Digital exfiltration of proprietary data and files
- Misappropriation through contractors or third parties
When This Service Is Needed
- A departing employee is suspected of taking proprietary information
- A competitor appears to have knowledge of confidential processes or plans
- Legal counsel requires documented facts prior to filing a trade secret claim
- An internal audit has revealed unauthorized access to sensitive systems
Our Approach
We conduct structured, confidential investigations using proven methodologies and professional-grade tools. Every case is scoped carefully, executed with discretion, and focused on delivering actionable, documented results. We coordinate directly with legal counsel and executive leadership when required.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a former employee stole trade secrets?
Indicators include: a competitor suddenly offering a product or service that closely mirrors yours; a former employee's new employer announcing capabilities that suspiciously match yours; large file downloads or unusual system access in the weeks before an employee's departure (check your IT logs); a former employee's new role focused on exactly the area they had proprietary knowledge in.
Can Empire Investigation work with a digital forensics firm on a trade secret case?
Yes. Digital forensics establishes the technical evidence trail — what was accessed, copied, or transmitted. Empire Investigation conducts the field investigation — surveillance, background research on the former employee and their new employer, and intelligence gathering on the use of misappropriated information. The combination is standard in serious trade secret matters.
How quickly should I act if I suspect trade secret theft?
Immediately. Evidence can be destroyed quickly, competitive advantage can be lost, and statutes of limitations run from when you knew or should have known. Contact Empire Investigation and your IP attorney simultaneously. Courts may grant emergency injunctive relief in trade secret cases if evidence is strong and action is prompt.
Confidential Inquiry
Request a Confidential Consultation
All inquiries are handled with complete discretion. We work directly with executives, legal counsel, and HR leadership to scope engagements appropriately.
All inquiries handled with complete discretion.