Musket Corporation v. Star Fuel of Oklahoma, LLC

A renewed motion for judgment as a matter of law was not granted because the court found sufficient evidence for the elements of trade secret misappropriation.

Opinion (Miles-LaGrange): Musket Corporation’s (“Musket”) claims against Star Fuel of Oklahoma (“Star”) of misappropriation of trade secrets, among other breaches, were tried before a jury in October 2012. Based on the verdict issued against them, Star moved for renewed judgment as a matter of law on Musket’s misappropriation of trade secrets claim. Star claims a lack of evidence of misappropriation of trade secrets on all three elements. A claim of misappropriation of trade secrets required Musket to show: (1) existence of a trade secret; (2) misappropriation of that secret by Star; and (3) use of the secret by Star to Musket’s detriment. The Court found sufficient evidence to satisfy all three of the elements of the claim of misappropriation in favor of Musket. The Court came to an identical solution in regards to Musket’s claim of unfair competition through use of trade secrets. Therefore, the Court DENIED Star’s motion for renewed judgment as a matter of law in regards to Musket’s claim of misappropriation of trade secrets and unfair competition.