N.C. Gen. Stat. § 66-157 : — COMMERCE AND BUSINESSTRADE SECRETS PROTECTION ACT —157 - Statute of limitations TEXT PDF An action for misappropriation of a trade secret must be commenced within three years after the misappropriation complained of is or reasonably should have been discovered. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 66-157 1981, c. 890, s. 1.