Bell Nunnally Partner Benjamin J. Riemer and Associate Catherine Helm, representing Dallas-based drinkware and tableware manufacturer NTL-Brands, secured a complete defense verdict win in a multi-million dollar lawsuit brought in Dallas County State Court, 134th Judicial District regarding allegations stemming from the purchase of drinkware manufacturing equipment. Partner Beverly A. Whitley provided counsel and assistance, including handling the jury charge conference.

On October 4, 2016, NTL-Brands entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with DSC Products, Inc., for the purchase of certain equipment used in the manufacturing of thermal double-walled plastic tumblers (the “Molds”). Shortly thereafter, LeDuc Gifts, a former business associate of DSC Products, Inc. and its President Dan Sachs brought suit, claiming that the Molds contained trade secrets belonging to LeDuc Gifts and accused NTL-Brands of conspiring with Dan Sachs.

LeDuc Gifts’ suit in Texas State Court in Dallas County against NTL-Brands, alleged the following causes of action: Misappropriation of Trade Secret; Conversion; Unjust Enrichment; Knowing Participation in Breach of Fiduciary Duty; Tortious Interference With Contract; Tortious Interference With Prospective Business Relations; and Texas Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act violation.

After a four day trial and just two hours of deliberations, a jury found unanimously that NTL-Brands had zero liability and that LeDuc Gifts’ claims were without merit. The case is LeDuc Gifts And Specialty Products, LLC d/b/a LeDuc Gifts and d/b/a Signature USA v. NTL-Brands, Ltd. f/k/a New Thermo-Serv, Ltd.