Price Caspino Secures Legal Triumph for SmartStop in Trade Secret Case

Price Caspino, LP has made headlines with its recent victory in securing an emergency court order on behalf of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc., aimed at protecting the company's intellectual property from alleged misappropriation. This case highlights not only the legal prowess of Price Caspino but also the growing importance of safeguarding trade secrets in today’s competitive marketplace.

The Genesis of the Case

On December 1, 2025, attorneys from Price Caspino represented SmartStop in front of Judge Richard Lee at the Orange County Superior Court. The court proceedings were initiated after SmartStop discovered that Rene Hernandez, its former Director of Revenue, allegedly took confidential and proprietary information before leaving the company. This included sensitive company-wide revenue data, future revenue forecasts, and advanced AI-based analytics designed to identify opportunities for revenue enhancement.

The implications of these actions are significant, especially considering the escalating reliance on data-driven strategies in the real estate and storage sectors. For SmartStop, which operates self-storage facilities across the United States and Canada, the ability to maintain the secrecy of such intelligence is paramount to sustaining its competitive edge.

Legal Strategies in Action

In response to this potential breach, SmartStop swiftly engaged Price Caspino to navigate the legal landscape and pursue immediate action. The firm’s approach was assertive, seeking preemptive measures to prevent any further use of the compromised information by Hernandez. Legal experts underscore the importance of such swift actions in protecting proprietary assets, as delays could result in irreversible damage to a company’s market position.

During the court hearing, the argument presented by Price Caspino’s attorneys, Mike Caspino and Helena Laskey, emphasized the critical need for SmartStop to protect its intellectual property vigorously. This was evidenced by detailing how the disclosed information could undermine the company's strategies and future revenue potential if it fell into the wrong hands.

Court’s Ruling and Aftermath

After thorough considerations of the arguments laid out, the court granted SmartStop’s appeal for an emergency restraining order. This order not only forbids Hernandez from utilizing any of the contested information but also requires him and his legal team to explain why a more enduring injunction should not be established. The case, filed under OCSC Case No. 30-2025-01528578-CU-BC-WJC, is set to continue as both parties prepare for further proceedings.

In a statement regarding the outcome, Attorney Mike Caspino remarked, “This emergency order is a significant win for SmartStop and a critical step in protecting the company’s proprietary technologies and revenue-related intelligence. SmartStop remains committed to safeguarding its intellectual property and will continue to pursue all appropriate remedies through the legal process.” This commitment signals SmartStop’s determination to uphold its interests in the face of corporate challenges.

Broader Implications for Businesses

The case serves as a pertinent reminder for businesses across various sectors about the importance of safeguarding trade secrets and proprietary information. With the increasing digitization of business processes, the risk of intellectual property theft and improper disclosure is ever-present. Companies must remain vigilant and proactive, ensuring stringent measures are in place to secure their competitive advantages.

In conclusion, Price Caspino’s legal victory for SmartStop not only reinforces the significance of protecting trade secrets but also showcases the effectiveness of timely legal intervention in safeguarding a company’s core assets. As the case unfolds, it will undoubtedly draw attention from legal analysts and industry experts as a noteworthy example of corporate diligence in the face of potential threats to intellectual property.