In the hypercompetitive business world of Florida, companies can go to great lengths to gain, or maintain, an edge over their rivals. As such, it is of the utmost importance for a company to keep a tight lid on their trade secrets.
However, sometimes one organization may be so hungry for information held by a competitor that they may recruit an employee of that competitor to serve as a spy. A carefully placed spy could have access to important information. The theft of intellectual property is considered a tort of conversion, and should be safeguarded against as stringently as possible.
But what sort of signs might be exhibited by a candidate for spying? The Federal Bureau of Investigation advises that employees with the following behavioral traits or life situations may represent potential internal security threats:
- Is having difficulty in the workplace. An employee that does not get along well with co-workers or they believe that their work is not appreciated.
- Has monetary issues. An employee who is having financial difficulty or is simply greedy.
- Is driven by anger. An employee who is disgruntled and wishes to exact some form of revenge.
- Engages in dangerous personal behavior. An employee with a substance abuse problem or some other addiction issue.
- Wants a thrill. An employee who is looking for an exciting or daring experience.
Unfortunately, if a spying employee is clever, they may be able to escape detection long enough to escape with important trade secrets or other important intellectual property. Should you discover that someone has attempted or succeeded in perpetrating such a theft, then a decisive legal response is in order.
When your business is negatively impacted by tortuous actions, you could benefit from the counsel of a Florida attorney who may be able to see that those responsible are held financially accountable.
