Unfair competition is generally defined as anything a business might do to try to prevent other businesses from competing in a fair marketplace. Below we'll discuss examples of unfair competition and how you can protect yourself.From trade secret misappropriation to false advertising, many practices can create unfair competition. The San Diego Law Library is a State Bar of California licensed MCLE provider. California has an unfair competition law that prohibits unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent business practices or misleading advertising. Unfair business practices means any unlawful, unfair, deceptive, untrue, misleading or fraudulent business act or practice, including advertisements. California courts also require a "high degree of particularity" in pleading conspiracy claims under the Cartwright Act. City of San Diego v. Trade secret and unfair competition laws in California are complex. For example, over time, information may lose trade secret status.