Lamb-Weston, Inc. v. McCain Foods, Ltd.

941 F.2d 970 (1991)

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Lamb-Weston, Inc. v. McCain Foods, Ltd.

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
941 F.2d 970 (1991)

  • Written by Jack Newell, JD

Facts

Lamb-Weston Incorporated (LWI) and McCain Foods Limited (McCain) were both producers of curly fries. LWI had developed a blade that cut potatoes into the curly shape in order to make the fries. Two employees of LWI who had worked on developing the blade left to work for McCain. Prior to their departures, the LWI employees had been in contact with McCain. McCain began using a blade in its production that was primarily developed by one of the former LWI employees. LWI sued McCain in federal district court for misappropriation of trade secrets. The district court issued a worldwide, eight-month injunction enjoining McCain from making or selling any product made with the invention, which McCain claimed was too broad. McCain appealed to the Ninth Circuit.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Wright, J.)

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