(A) Actual or threatened misappropriation may be enjoined. Upon application to the court, an injunction shall be terminated when the trade secret has ceased to exist, but the injunction may be continued for an additional reasonable period of time in order to eliminate commercial advantage that otherwise would be derived from the misappropriation. Such reasonable period of time shall take into account the average rate of business growth that would have been gained from nonmisappropriated use of the misappropriated trade secret.
(B) In exceptional circumstances, an injunction may condition future use upon payment of a reasonable royalty for no longer than the period of time for which use could have been prohibited. Exceptional circumstances include, but are not limited to, a material and prejudicial change of position before acquiring knowledge or reason to know of misappropriation that renders a prohibitive injunction inequitable.
(C) In appropriate circumstances, affirmative acts to protect a trade secret may be compelled by court order.
HISTORY: 1997 Act No. 38, Section 1, eff May 21, 1997.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Section 39-8-40. Recovery of actual damages; exemplary damages.
Section 39-8-50. Injunctions against actual or threatened misappropriations.
Section 39-8-70. Time limit for bringing action.
Section 39-8-80. Bad faith; award of attorney's fees.
Section 39-8-90. Persons guilty of stealing trade secrets; criminal penalties.