For more than two years, a pair of rival technology companies that make a high-strength synthetic fiber have battled each other in Richmond, Va.’s federal trial court over allegations of trade secret theft and antitrust violations.
The suit that E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. brought in February 2009 against Korean manufacturer Kolon Industries Inc. has generated more than 915 docket filings — excluding hundreds of exhibits. DuPont and Kolon have fought about discovery, depositions, protective and sealing orders, expert witnesses and sanctions over evidence that was not preserved. Last year, the trial judge said the litigation has included “mudslinging and complaining and grousing.” Part of the case has already gone up to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, which unanimously revived Kolon’s antitrust counterclaim on March 11.
