Trade Secrets and Confidential Information

A misappropriation of trade secrets can be devastating and put your company at a severe competitive disadvantage. Unfounded allegations of trade secret misappropriation can also be devastating to an individual or company. Nevertheless, not all disputes over trade secrets need end up in litigation. Occasionally, informal and quick intervention will allow an early negotiated settlement that protects both a plaintiff’s legitimate intellectual property rights as well as a defendant’s right to compete.

Whatever your situation, we have the experience to provide advice on your options, and when necessary, quickly get up to speed to successfully litigate everything from early motions for a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction, to hard fought discovery, and jury trial.

Representative Cases

Telluride Asset Management LLC v. Eric Falkenstein, Case No. 27-CV-07-4832 (Hennepin County District Court, Minnesota): Defended Eric Falkenstein, a former hedge fund portfolio manager at Telluride and prominent finance blogger, against allegations of breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets relating to hedge fund trading strategies. The case settled five weeks after a Court Order allowing Mr. Falkenstein to pursue counterclaims against the plaintiff.

William and Sandra Metcalf d/b/a Ramco v. E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Case No. 05-CV-1035 (District of Minnesota): Represented Minnesota entrepreneurs William and Sandra Metcalf in claims of breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, and various commercial torts against the Fortune 50 company E.I. du Pont relating to optimization algorithms in floor-covering software. Following a sealed Order on cross motions for summary judgment, the case settled approximately one month before trial was set to begin.