Intellectual Property

Lead counsel for a compression drilling company accused of stealing polycrystalline diamond (PCD) technology for use in manufacturing drilling bits. The plaintiff sought over $13 million in actual damages and uncapped punitive damages against Mr. Kelly’s client. After a lengthy trial, the jury found that the plaintiff did not sustain any actual damages. The court entered a final, take nothing judgment in favor of Mr. Kelly’s client.

Represented the component supplier of a large offshore drilling rig which was sued for the alleged theft of trade secrets relating to the source code, programmable logic controller and other technological aspects of drilling systems on the rig. Mr. Kelly established that his client had not participated in the theft or unlawful transmission of alleged trade secrets. The plaintiff released Mr. Kelly’s client and dismissed the claims against it prior to trial.

Lead counsel for the owner and manager of an industrial turf, agricultural and ornamental products facility in a theft of trade secrets claim against former officers and employees. After substantial investigation and discovery, the case settled for a confidential amount. Subsequently, Mr. Kelly represented the client in the sale of his business to a worldwide industrial products manufacturer.