Jim Weins and Mac Meyer v. Robert A. Sporleder, et al.

Breach of Contract - Misappropriation of a Trade Secret - Fraud - Breach of Fiduciary Duty - In 1991 Weins and Meyer
asserted claims for violation of a trade secret law against Robert
Sporleder (Sporleder), Van Liere, and En-R-G Max as well as a
claim for breach of contract against Sporleder. Weins, 1997 SD 111
at 11, 569 N.W.2d at 19. After a twelve-day trial the trial court
submitted the following claims to the jury on behalf of Weins and
Meyer: a breach of contract claim against Sporleder, and claims
for misappropriation of a trade secret, breach of fiduciary duty,
and fraud and deceit against Sporleder, Van Liere, and En-R-G Max.

The jury found against Sporleder on all counts. The jury found that Van Liere and En-R-G Max had not breached any fiduciary duty, but did find against them on the trade secret and fraud and deceit claims. The jury awarded compensatory damages to Weins and Meyer for $440,000 apportioned as follows: 50% Sporleder, 25% Van Liere, and 25% En-R-G Max. In addition, the jury awarded punitive damages against Sporleder in the amount of $100,000, against Van Liere for $50,000, and against En-R-G Max for $50,000.

Unknown

Unknown

Reversed by the South Dakota Supreme Court. See: 2000 SD 10, ___ N.W.2d ___, 1997 SD 111, 569 N.W.2d 16. Note: The above date reflects the appellate court decision date, not the original trial date. Reported by kkm.