Minnesota Uniform Trade Secrets Act (“MUTSA”), Minn.Stat. §§ 325C.01-325C.08, protects, certain types of information through an action for misappropriation

Minnesota business lawyers know that the Minnesota Uniform Trade Secrets Act (“MUTSA”), Minn.Stat. §§ 325C.01-325C.08, protects, certain types of information through an action for misappropriation. MUTSA defines misappropriation as improper acquisition, disclosure, or use of a “trade secret.” Minn.Stat. § 325C.01, subd. 3.[8] The court analyzes three factors to determine whether a particular item constitutes a trade secret.[9] See e.g., Electro-Craft Corp. v. Controlled Motion, Inc., 332 N.W.2d 890, 899-901 (Minn.1983); Gordon Employment, Inc. v. Jewell, 356 N.W.2d 738, 741 (Minn.Ct.App.1984) (citation omitted). Those factors are:

(1) The information must not be generally known or readily ascertainable;

(2) The information must derive independent economic value from secrecy; and

(3) The party asserting misappropriation must have made reasonable efforts to maintain the secrecy of the item.

Electro-Craft, 332 N.W.2d at 899-901; Allright Parking of Minnesoto, Inc. v. Hoskin, 1993 WL 173861 at *3 (Minn.Ct.App. May 25, 1993) (unpublished opinion); Gordon, 356 N.W.2d at 741. The party asserting misappropriation 1274*1274 must establish each factor to sustain its claim. See e.g., Electro-Craft, 332 N.W.2d at 899-902; Allright, 1993 WL 173861 at *4; Ring Computer Sys., Inc. v. ParaData Computer Networks, Inc., 1990 WL 132615 at *2 (Minn.Ct.App. Sept. 18, 1990) (unpublished opinion); Gordon, 356 N.W.2d at 741.