Facts

Marvell Semiconductor Inc. is a worldwide leader in integrated silicon solutions.

Jasmine Networks Inc. filed suit against Marvell, and former Jasmine managers, Richard Sowell and Patrick Murphy, on trade secrets claims. The filing of the complaint followed negotiations by the parties whereby Marvell would use Jasmine's application-specific integration circuits and fabric switching.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff claimed that defendants misappropriated its trade secrets in violation of a nondisclosure agreement. Further, plaintiff alleged that defendants violated California's Uniform Trade Secrets Act. Last, plaintiff pointed to an inadvertent voicemail recording of a communication between Marvell officers and its counsel.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Marvell argued that it did not utilize or obtain any trade secrets and was not in violation of a nondisclosure agreement. Further, defendants contended that soon after filing its action, plaintiff sold its rights to the alleged trade secrets in bankruptcy proceedings and thus, had given up its ability to sue for misappropriation.

Result

The jury found in favor defendants.