It should also be noted that California courts have made clear that the Trade Secret Exception only applies to trade secrets. The "inevitable disclosure" doctrine permits the plaintiff in a trade secrets case to establish threatened misappropriation.If damages cannot be proven, CUTSA allows a court to award reasonable royalties for the misappropriation as well as injunctive relief. There are substantial risks in pursuing trade secret actions if it appears that plaintiffs are using the Trade Secrets Act to mask an anticompetitive intent. Secret Misappropriation Without an Express Limit Upon Its Duration, 17. Immediately halt unauthorized use. Plaintiff sued in federal court for breach of contract and trade secret misappropriation under state and. Secret litigation in California, with plaintiffs seeking extensive monetary and injunctive relief. However, under the "head start" doctrine, the recovery. Secret Misappropriation Without an Express Limit Upon Its Duration, 17.