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Jury Awards RELCO $22.7 Million For Theft of Its Business Secrets

11/1/2013

MINNEAPOLIS (November 1, 2013) – Minneapolis-based law firm Gray Plant Mooty recently assisted RELCO, LLC – a manufacturer of systems and equipment for the dairy industry – in winning a $22.7 million jury verdict in a case of misappropriation of confidential business information. 

The jury found that two former employees of the Willmar, Minn.-based company took thousands of confidential computer files before moving to work at Custom Fabricating & Repair, Inc. (CFR) in Marshfield, Wis. It was also proven that CFR knowingly used the files to unlawfully compete against RELCO.

CFR is being held responsible for approximately ninety percent of the total due to RELCO. The two companies are seeking a resolution of the legal proceedings that will minimize disruption to others in the industry, including customers.

"It is very gratifying to see justice done in this case," said Dean LeDoux, a principal at Gray Plant Mooty who led the RELCO trial team. "RELCO has become an industry leader through 30 years of innovation and integrity. The legal system worked as it should in protecting RELCO's rights to its confidential and valuable technology."

The verdict was rendered on October 25, 2013, in Kandiyohi County (Minn.) District Court following a nine-day trial.

Carl Lehmann, the new chair of Gray Plant Mooty's Employment practice group, was pleased with the RELCO outcome.“The case involved complex technology and was complicated on so many levels,” he said. “A ton of work went into presenting a compelling case to the jury. We are very proud of the trial team’s fantastic result for RELCO.”

About GPM:

Gray Plant Mooty is recognized as one of the leading corporate law firms in Minnesota and one of the top franchise firms in the world. Our roots go back to 1866. Today, we are a 170-attorney, full-service firm with offices in Minneapolis and St. Cloud, Minnesota, and Washington, DC. Our attorneys and staff provide exceptional client service and value to our clients, and directly or with our global affiliations, we provide comprehensive legal services on a regional, national, and global basis.