Trade secret laws are rights granted by individual states. Michigan, has adopted the Uniform Trade Secrets Act. The act defines a trade secret as:

"Information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program device, method, technique, or process, that: (i) derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from no being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use, and (ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy."

Another aspect of the definition of trade secret is that one must make “reasonable efforts” to keep the trade secret a secret. Formulas, compilations, and customer lists, should be made available to employees on a need to know basis, and should be kept in a secure place, not freely available to others.

The act outlines a number of remedies for violation of trade secrets including damages, injunctions, and attorney's fees.

For more information go to:
http://www.law.upenn.edu/bll/archives/ulc/fnact99/1980s/utsa85.htm