In cooperation with our Montreal Globalaw affiliate, Morency, a Jackson Walker team of attorneys successfully represented four individuals in a case alleging theft of trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty, computer hacking, and other claims.
The individual clients were insured by Encon Group, Inc. of Ottowa. The case was filed in Dallas, Texas. The Plaintiff, Tap Dynamics (Tap), alleged that the individuals (who were former Tap employees) looted the company and moved to a direct competitor, Vianet Group (Vianet), which is based in the United Kingdom. Tap alleged that the former employees diverted trade secrets and other confidential information to Vianet, disabled, Tap’s computer systems, and caused Tap to lose its business and file for bankruptcy protection. The Jackson Walker team consisted of Bryan Birkeland, William Ellerman, and Chris Bankler.
Our attorneys took depositions across the United States in this complex matter, and even traveled to the United Kingdom for a series of depositions and other discovery. After much effort, Jackson Walker was able to achieve a favorable settlement on behalf of the insurer, the amount of which remains confidential. Tap’s case against Vianet remains pending.
About Bryan
Bryan Birkeland is a versatile transactional attorney, recognized for the depth of his experience in real estate, international and energy matters. His practice currently focuses on U. S. inbound and outbound investments, consulting clients in a variety of product types and locales. Bryan’s engagement by Texas, national and international clients has spanned development, redevelopment, purchases and sales of various real estate and energy product types and voluntary and involuntary restricting and rearrangement of distressed assets. Engagements have related to assets throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
About Chris
Chris Bankler is a senior associate in Jackson Walker’s litigation section, focused on the resolution of disputes for businesses and financial institutions. His practice consists of counseling clients through the process of complex business litigation, including general business disputes, fraud claims, breach of fiduciary duty cases, and breach of contract claims. An experienced litigator, Chris has served as litigation counsel in more than 100 cases in state and federal courts, as well as FINRA and AAA arbitrations.
