W. Whitaker Rayner

Whit Rayner is an author for the Trade Secret Insider and is a partner in the firm’s Jackson office. His practice focuses on copyright and trademark registration and protection, software licensing, and intellectual property litigation and prosecution, including cases involving trade secret theft and protections. He also represents financial institutions in commercial litigation and contract disputes. Whit frequently speaks on trade secret and intellectual property issues, authored the Intellectual Property Section of West Publishing’s Encyclopedia of Mississippi Law, and is the Mississippi editor of State Trademark and Unfair Competition Law; and Practical Law’s Mississippi chapters of Trademark Law and Right of Publicity Law. He can be reached at wrayner@joneswalker.com or 601.949.4724.

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District of Columbia to Ban Non-Competition Agreements

By W. Whitaker Rayner on January 27, 2021 Posted in Non-Compete, Trade Secret

On January 11, 2021, the mayor of the District of Columbia signed an Act prohibiting non-competition provisions in employment agreements entered into after the date of passage. While under the peculiar rules of the District of Columbia, Congress has a 30-day window to disapprove the Act, it appears likely that this Act will pass. The … Continue Reading

U.S./China Trade “Deal” Short on IP/Trade Secret Specifics

By W. Whitaker Rayner on December 18, 2019 Posted in IP, Trade Secret

With the announcement last week of a tentative partial trade agreement with China, the U.S. appears to be headed to a somewhat easing of tensions between the two superpowers. Terms of the agreement are vague, with references to a reduction in tariffs, increase in agricultural purchases by China, and agreements to return to the bargaining … Continue Reading

U.S. Supreme Court To Review Fifth Circuit CFAA Decision

By W. Whitaker Rayner on July 9, 2015 Posted in CFAA, Criminal

We frequently discuss the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (“CFAA”), which prohibits obtaining information from protected computers through unauthorized access or access that exceeds such authorization. Violating the CFAA can have serious consequences, as the statute carries both criminal and civil penalties. But must a defendant obtain information through unauthorized access and exceed authorized access? Ordinarily not. Yet … Continue Reading

Protecting Trade Secrets Furnished To The Government

By W. Whitaker Rayner on July 29, 2014 Posted in Public Records, Trade Secret, Uncategorized

Picture this situation: your company is submitting a bid on a public contract, whether a technology acquisition, software development project, construction project, insurance quote, or financial services contract, to name but a few. Or picture responding to state and federal regulatory authorities that require disclosing company information concerning approval and licensing of your gaming establishment … Continue Reading