Minneapolis, MN 55402-3707
Phone: 612.333.3000
Fax: 612.333.8829
Bassford Remele is a full service litigation firm located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1882, the firm represents local, national and international clients in all areas of civil litigation and dispute resolution.
Press Releases
Bassford Lawyers Win $630,000,000 Arbitration Award
Date: Jan 26, 2012 — Minneapolis, MN
Bassford Remele lawyers recently convinced an arbitrator to award Seagate Technologies $525 million compensation for stolen trade secrets. On November 23, 2011, a Minnesota arbitrator ruled that Western Digital Corporation must pay Seagate Technologies, LLC $525 million plus interest. Bassford lawyers Lewis A. Remele, Jr., Frederick E. Finch, Jan M Gunderson, Mark R. Bradford and Jeffrey R. Mulder convinced the arbitrator that Western Digital and a former Seagate employee stole and used Seagate trade secrets in violation of the Minnesota Trade Secret Act. The binding arbitration, conducted under supervision of the American Arbitration Association, culminated in an arbitration hearing lasting eight weeks during May, June and July, 2011.
In his final award, the arbitrator, retired Court of Appeals judge Robert Schumacher, awarded Seagate $95,000,000 in pre-award interest, making the total award $630,000,000.
The Bassford team was assisted by intellectual property lawyers Martha Gooding, Michael Stimson and Jesse Mulholland, who are now with Jones, Day in Irving, California.
The Bassford team is seeking confirmation of the award in Hennepin County District Court. Western Digital has hired new attorneys who are seeking to vacate the award. The firm expects a decision from the Court by June.
Bassford Remele, A Professional Association, is a full service litigation firm located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1882, the firm represents local, national, and international clients in all areas of civil litigation and dispute resolution. The Bassford firm is a community of experienced and committed trial lawyers who embrace a professional approach to the practice of law, providing the highest level of legal expertise and advice.