Index
Trade SecretsUnited States (Federal)

Economic Espionage Act of 1996

Summary

A federal law that criminalizes the theft or misappropriation of trade secrets, particularly for the benefit of foreign governments or for commercial advantage.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    Protection of confidential business information from theft
  • 02.
    Right to seek federal criminal investigation into stolen trade secrets
  • 03.
    Protection against foreign industrial espionage

Penalties

  • 01.
    Fines of up to $500,000 for individuals
  • 02.
    Fines of up to $10,000,000 or 3x the value of the trade secret for organizations
  • 03.
    Imprisonment up to 15 years for economic espionage
  • 04.
    Forfeiture of property derived from or used in the commission of the crime

Verified Citations

Economic Espionage Act

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