What is a potential issue in litigations concerning former employees involving trade secrets?

In cases involving trade secrets and former employees, a significant concern is the risk of having to expose protected information during litigation. Trade secrets are confidential business information that gives a company a competitive edge, and revealing these secrets can compromise their value. If a trade secret owner brings a lawsuit against a former employee for misappropriation, the legal process may require the owner to disclose specific details about the trade secret itself to prove its existence and value. This exposure can diminish the protection offered by the trade secret, potentially allowing competitors access to crucial information that the company intends to keep confidential.

Moreover, the costs associated with litigation can be substantial. For a business facing these challenges, the high expenses involved in legal proceedings can pose a serious barrier, especially if there is a possibility of not prevailing in the lawsuit. Consequently, both the financial burdens of litigation and the potential requirement to disclose sensitive information create significant risks for companies engaging in legal actions over trade secrets.

Thus, the correct answer highlights both the financial aspect and the potential for compromising confidential information, illustrating important factors that businesses must weigh when considering litigation against former employees regarding trade secrets.