Facts

Edwards Lifesciences is a publicly traded medical technology company specializing in research and development, including for example: designing and developing medical devices such as artificial heart valves and monitoring technologies for patients with heart disease; and designing, executing, and monitoring clinical trials. Due to the highly competitive nature of the medical device industry, Edwards required all its employees to enter into confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements. Edwards filed suit against certain former employees and the companies they formed after leaving Edwards.

PLAINTIFF’S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended that the individual defendants created the defendant companies in order to compete with it, in violation of their employment agreements. Plaintiff also asserted that defendants stole plaintiff’s trade secrets and confidential information. Finally, plaintiff attested that defendants’ acts constituted violations of the Defend Trade Secrets Act, common law unfair competition, conspiracy, breach of contract, breach of duty of loyalty, and intentional interference with contract.

DEFENDANTS’ CONTENTIONS: Defendants disputed plaintiff’s contentions and denied allegations of any wrongdoing.

Result

The parties stipulated to a consent judgment and permanent injunction. Pursuant to the stipulation, the court ordered that defendants were permanently enjoined from generally disclosing or possessing plaintiff’s confidential information or trade secrets or assisting others to do so.