In plain terms. The Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 created a federal civil cause of action for trade-secret misappropriation, including provisions for ex parte seizure and whistleblower immunity. For contractors, it reinforces the legal protection of proprietary and controlled technical information against theft, including by insiders and cyber means.
Citation. Pub. L. 114-153 (May. 11, 2016); 18 U.S.C. §§ 1836-1839.