Capitol Dome

On Monday April 4, after remarks from the bill’s sponsors Orrin Hatch (R) Utah and Christopher Coons (D) Delaware, the Senate voted 87-0 in favor of the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2015, S. 1890. As we have previously reported, the Act will create a federal civil cause of action for trade secrets misappropriation, which includes an ex parte seizure provision. The next hurdle for the creation of a federal civil action for trade secrets misappropriation, which as Senator Hatch pointed out is the only intellectual property tort for which there is not a federal remedy, is the House of Representatives. If the House passes its version of the bill, H.R. 3326, President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law.