Strategic collaborations are increasingly central to innovation, particularly in life sciences and technology, where companies rely on partnerships for research, development, and manufacturing. This session explores the trade secret considerations that arise across the full lifecycle of a collaboration, from early discussions and deal negotiation to active partnerships and potential disputes.
- Trade secret strategy during early deal exploration and negotiating terms that protect the ownership of know-how, confidentiality obligations, and information access.
- Offensive and defensive considerations when collaborations lead to litigation or misappropriation claims.
- Managing trade secrets during active collaborations such as joint R&D, licensing, or manufacturing partnerships.
- Trade secret risks when collaborations fail, including “busted deals,” employee mobility, and disputes over the use of shared know-how.
Carole Boelitz
Alexandra Valenti
Alexandra Valenti is a partner in Goodwin’s Intellectual Property Litigation practice. She is a well-rounded and experienced litigator who focuses her practice on intellectual property and commercial matters across a variety of innovative industries. She is a core member of the firm’s renowned life sciences litigation team, and also brings substantial expertise in representing clients across the technology and consumer products sectors. Recognized in Benchmark Litigation’s “40 & Under Hot List” and by the IAM Patent 1000 and Managing IP, Alexandra has represented clients in numerous intellectual property and commercial disputes in federal courts nationwide, including significant victories after trial and on appeal.