How Baker Botts Won a 4-Week, In-Person Trade Secrets Trial
It took some "other-worldly" jury selection in NRG Arena, remote testimony from a couple of witnesses and live-streamed proceedings. But partners Danny David and Paul Morico were just grateful to be back in a courtroom. "The human aspect of this profession can't be overlooked," said David.
May 06, 2021 at 02:42 PM
11 minute read
In-person jury trials are back on tap in Houston. A Baker Botts team led by partners Danny David, Paul Morico and Elizabeth Flannery just completed what they believe to be the longest in-person IP jury trial of the pandemic era: a four-week trade secrets trial that began in the 10,000 seat NRG Arena and ended in the Ceremonial Courtroom of the Harris County Courthouse.
At issue was FMC Technologies Inc.'s allegations that its former chief engineer, Richard Murphy, took trade secrets related to deep sea oil and gas drilling with him when hired by competitor Dril-Quip Inc. FMC had been seeking $35 million in actual damages and up to twice that in exemplary damages, plus an injunction. But the Baker Botts team, representing Dril-Quip, persuaded jurors on April 29 that none of the information was a protectible trade secret.
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