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Business Law
Breach of Contract
Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Vital International Freight Services Inc. v. Leegin Creative Leather Products Inc.

Published: Feb. 2, 2002 | Result Date: Oct. 10, 2001 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: YC031880 Verdict –  $214,274

Judge

Ernest G. Williams

Court

L.A. Superior Central West


Attorneys

Facts

The plaintiff, a customs broker and freight forwarder, provided services to the defendant, a manufacturer of
leather products, jewelry and other items. A billing dispute arose between the parties whereby the plaintiff
contended it was owed approximately $500,000, whereas the defendant alleged that it had been overcharged by
approximately $400,000.
In order to put pressure on the defendant, the plaintiff refused to deliver to the defendant
raw materials and other goods, which cost approximately $500,000. The defendant contended
that those goods were essential to its manufacturing activities and would have been incorporated
into finished goods that would have sold for more than $1.8 million.

Other Information

The jury found that the plaintiff had converted the defendantÆs property and that it had defrauded the defendant and breached its fiduciary duties. All post-trial motions were denied.

Deliberation

13 hours

Poll

12-0 (liability in Leegin's favor), 11-1 (breach of fiduciary duties), 9-3 (damages in Leegin's favor)

Length

12 days


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