There is a latin maxim, “Gladiator in arena consilium capit.” Translation: “The gladiator is formulating his plan in the arena.” (I thank my boys, the latin scholars, for introducing me to the maxim.)
The meaning of the maxim is that if you wait to formulate your plan until you’re about to enter battle, you are too late.
The maxim applies equally to trade secret protection. When your trade secrets are stolen, a prompt and appropriate response is critical. If you have not prepared a plan in advance for how to respond in the event of a trade secret theft, you will be starting from scratch when every minute counts. You will be the gladiator forming his plan in the arena.
Important in this regard is that the plan need not be final. Indeed, to the contrary, it should be constantly re-evaluated and refined as new information comes to light. See The Who, What, Where, When, How, and Why of Trade Secret Audits.
So, are you prepared? Ask yourself: What would you do if you found out today that your trade secrets had been stolen? Will you be the gladiator making your plan in the arena – or will you be the gladiator standing at the end?