October.08.2020
We defeated a trade secret suit seeking damages of at least $1 billion on behalf of one of Africa’s most prominent business leaders.
The plaintiff claimed our client and several financial institutions stole trade secrets and also alleged various state-law claims, including intentional interference with economic relations, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and purported violations of the District of Columbia Uniform Trade Secrets Act. We successfully challenged the plaintiff’s allegations in our Motion to Dismiss, which the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted. The District Court ultimately dismissed the plaintiff’s federal claims and his claim under the District of Columbia Uniform Trade Secrets Act, as to all defendants, with prejudice. The plaintiff’s remaining state law claims were dismissed, without prejudice, for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.
The Orrick team was led by of counsel Nexus Sea, a member of the firm’s Complex Litigation & Dispute Resolution team, with assistance from of counsel Thomas Laryea and associate Lauren Schnepper.