TRADE SECRETS

Broward Circuit Court

A Fort Lauderdale company that brokers flights for customers on private jets prevailed in a lawsuit against a former employee who allegedly converted the company's funds and stole trade secrets.

Private Jet Charter LLC claimed a consultant and salesman, Derek Damgaard, stole about $58,693 and provided its confidential client list to a rival company, Shy Aviation. Private Jet Charter entered a confidential settlement with Shy Aviation before trial.

Damgaard denied all the allegations. However, the jury determined Damgaard converted funds and willfully and maliciously gave Private Jet's client list, a trade secret, to Shy Aviation. Private Jet's damages totaled $133,693, including $1,109 in punitive damages.

Case: Private Jet Charter v. Damgaard

Case No.: CACE14017284

Plaintiffs attorneys: Jonathan Ewing and Jennifer Castro, Aero Law Center, Fort Lauderdale

Defense attorney: David A. Strauss, The Strauss Law Firm, Fort Lauderdale