Trade Secret Misappropriation

Here’s What Happened: Zunum Aero, Inc. developed aerospace technology for hybrid-electric aircraft and protected aspects of it as trade secrets. Zunum got Boeing Company’s attention. The parties entered into an investment agreement. The investment agreement contained a confidentiality clause. The agreement also restricted Boeing’s use of Zunum trade secrets to only what would be needed […]

Here’s What Happened: Justin Pethick worked for DeWolff, Boberg & Associates (DBA), a consulting company. Justin left DBA to work for a competitor, Randall Powers Company (Powers), and some potential clients of DBA hired Powers instead. DBA sued Justin and Powers for trade secret misappropriation. DBA claimed that Justin and Powers used DBA’s trade secrets […]

Here’s What Happened: Beginning in 2004 and over the next 13 years, Propel Fuels, Inc. developed low-carbon renewable fuels. In 2015, Propel went to market with a retail high-blend renewable diesel fuel which targeted the California market. In 2017, Phillips 66 Company wanted to acquire Propel. During the due diligence phase, the parties entered into […]

Here’s What Happened: Pegasystems, Inc. provides enterprise software. Appian Corp. also provides enterprise software. Both companies provide software platforms that enable businesses to generate programs and automate internal business processes. Appian accused Pegasystems of hiring a “spy” to access Appian’s software systems and determine the strength and weaknesses of Appian’s software. Pegasystems paid the consultant […]

Here’s What Happened: Brothers Richard and Kevin Gates and Chao Chen founded Elmagin Capital LLC. The core business was to develop trading strategies for wholesale electricity markets. Chao decided to leave the company and the Gates brothers bought him out. In exchange, Chao signed a Non-Disclosure and Non-Competition Agreement (NDA). Chao agreed not to work […]