Trade

California Jury Hands Down Historic $604.9 Million Trade Secret Verdict Against Phillips 66 for Misappropriation

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A California jury has ordered Phillips 66 Company to pay nearly $605 million in damages for misusing trade secrets belonging to Propel Fuels, Inc. The ruling, delivered on October 16, 2024, held Phillips 66 liable after concluding that it had willfully misappropriated proprietary information during acquisition negotiations with Propel, a company specializing in low-carbon fuels. The legal battle began in 2017 when Propel and Phillips 66 entered discussions to potentially merge or collaborate on Propel’s innovative renewable gasoline and diesel technologies. Propel shared sensitive data under a non-disclosure agreement to facilitate these talks. However, the … Read more

US Court Upholds $81 Million Ruling Against Boeing in High-Stakes Trade Secrets Dispute

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A U.S. court has revived an $81 million judgment against Boeing in a significant trade secrets dispute. The ruling underscores the ongoing legal challenges facing the aerospace giant and reflects the intricate landscape of corporate intellectual property rights. The case centers on allegations that Boeing misappropriated critical trade secrets from a smaller competitor, alleging that the information was vital to developing its aircraft technology. This case highlights the intense competition within the aerospace industry, where proprietary information can be the difference between success and failure. The reinstatement of the award came following a protracted legal … Read more

U.S. Appeals Court Resurrects $81 Million Trade Secrets Case Against Boeing, Favoring Electric Aircraft Innovator Zunum Aero

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A U.S. appeals court in San Francisco has reinstated an $81 million judgment against Boeing in a case alleging the company stole trade secrets from the electric aircraft startup Zunum Aero. The ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a previous decision by a California judge, who had dismissed a jury’s finding in favor of Zunum. The appeals court rejected the lower court’s conclusion that the proprietary information claimed to be misappropriated by Boeing did not qualify for trade secret protection. Zunum’s attorney, Vincent Levy, expressed satisfaction with the appeals court’s ruling, … Read more

Massachusetts Firm Faces $10 Million Setback as Jury Dissects Trade Secrets Case and Testimony Variances

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Boston, Massachusetts – A local company may have experienced a significant setback, facing a potential loss of $10 million in a case involving trade secrets. A federal judge in Massachusetts suggested that the jury’s understanding of liability issues and conflicting testimonies from financial experts regarding damages might have played a crucial role in the outcome. The case revolves around allegations of misappropriation of trade secrets, which are critical assets for businesses relying on proprietary information to maintain a competitive edge. Such disputes can heavily impact a company’s financial standing and reputation. The judge’s remarks indicate … Read more