The Mintz IP litigation team recently secured a successful outcome for client Recycle Track Systems (RTS). RTS provides waste management brokerage services that optimize trash pickup schedules, reduce waste, and enhance waste diversion for large corporations and municipalities. RTS provides this solution through a combination of proprietary software and hardware technology—namely, its Pello product.  RoadRunner Recycling, a former component supplier and partner of RTS, filed a trade secret suit against RTS over its Pello sensor technology. Specifically, RoadRunner sued RTS in the Northern District of California for trade misappropriation under the California Uniform Trade Secret Act and Defend Trade Secret Act and included in its complaint a number of breach of contract allegations as well.  

After discovery, Mintz sought summary judgement with respect to all of RoadRunner’s trade secret allegations and exclusion of RoadRunner’s expert damages opinions relating to its trade secret allegations. Mintz won both of its motions—securing a complete defense verdict on behalf of RTS with respect to all trade secret allegations. With only a breach of contract allegation remaining—to which Mintz crafted a strong defense—the case quickly settled, and RTS’ Pello device remains on the market.

The Mintz team was led by Members Matthew Galica and James Wodarski and included Member Arameh O’Boyle, Special Counsel Nada Shamonki and Sharon O’Brien, Associates James Thomson, Sean Casey, Paul Weinand, Tianyi Tan, Stephen Chen, and Amy Lobue. 

About Mintz

Mintz is a litigation powerhouse and business accelerator serving leaders in life sciences, private equity, energy, and technology. The world’s most innovative companies trust Mintz to provide expert advice, protect and monetize their IP, negotiate deals, source financing, and solve complex legal challenges. The firm has over 600 attorneys across offices in Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Washington, DC, San Francisco, San Diego, and Toronto.