Upon entering retirement, some individuals in Florida and elsewhere may find that too much free time could leave them yearning for something to fill the void. Should these individuals choose to accept a position in a field they are accustomed to, their former employers may have concerns about the sharing of proprietary information, especially if the new employer is a competitor. A company named Koppers has recently filed a lawsuit accusing a former employee of violating trade secrets laws.

The incident reportedly began when the man informed his employer of his intent to retire. The company organized an event to celebrate his years of dedication. However, after he retired, Koppers claims it learned that he had decided to accept a role as an adviser with a competitor, and the company filed a lawsuit accusing the man of taking proprietary company information along with him to his new job.

Koppers asserts the man was given access to sensitive information pertaining to the research and development of a variety of products while he was still with the company. The company has accused the former employee of violating state and federal trade secrets laws. Although he works in a similar field as before, the man reportedly denies any wrongdoing and claims that any contract that would prevent him from accepting the position had already expired.

With so much at stake, companies in Florida may wish to take every possible measure to protect valuable information. Those who encounter trade secrets disputes could benefit from obtaining legal counsel for guidance on how best to handle the situation. An attorney can provide a client with advice on all the available options and assist him or her in seeking the most favorable outcome achievable through the necessary channels.