Paul Porvaznik – Business Litigator
Case Notes and Summaries of Recent Cases (State and Federal Courts – Illinois Focus)
Trade secrets cases provide fertile grounds for preliminary injunctions and temporary restraining orders. Here are the black-letter basics: – A preliminary injunction plaintiff must show: (1) irreparable harm, (2) likelihood of success on the merits, (3) the harm the plaintiff would suffer if the injunction is denied is greater than the harm inflicted on the …
Continue reading “Preliminary Injunctions and The Illinois Trade Secrets Act”
In Hallmark Cards, Inc. v. Monitor Clipper Partners, LLC, 2014 WL 3408853 (8th Cir. 2014), the Eighth Circuit affirmed a $31.3M dollar jury verdict in favor of the greeting card giant against a private equity firm that used Hallmark’s confidential market research. Hallmark hired a consultant to research consumer behavior as it relates to greeting cards. Hallmark had the …
Continue reading “Greeting Card Giant Wins $30M-Plus Jury Verdict in Trade Secrets Case (8th Cir.)”
The plaintiff staffing firm lost big in Instant Technology, LLC v. DeFazio, 2014 WL 1759184 (N.D. IL 2014). The Northern District Court found for the defendants on the plaintiff’s non-compete counts (see prior post) as well as on its trade secrets, tortious interference and breach of fiduciary duty claims. Trade Secrets Analysis The ex-employee defendants signed broad non-disclosure agreements that prevented them from …