PFS Distribution Co. v. Raduechel

PFS Distribution Company (PFS Distribution) and Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (Pilgrim’s Pride) (collectively, PFS) sued Darrell Raduechel (Raduechel) and Barry Spain (Spain) for breach of fiduciary duties and copyright infringement in connection with the formation and operation of Raduechel’s and Spain’s company, D&B Solutions, Inc. (D&B Solutions). PFS also sued Raduechel; Spain; D&B Solutions; John Pothoven (Pothoven); Richard Donohue (Donohue) and Theobald Donohue & Thompson, P.C. (TD&T) (collectively, Accounting Defendants); and Steven Hicks (Hicks) and MidWestOne Bank and Trust (MidWestOne) (collectively, Banking Defendants) for civil conspiracy, constructive trust and unjust enrichment, misappropriation of trade secrets, and aiding and abetting. D&B Solutions was also added to PFS’s copyright infringement claim. Raduechel counterclaimed against PFS for payment of a salary bonus.

The district court1 dismissed Raduechel’s counterclaim, and granted summary judgment to PFS on the issue of Raduechel’s and Spain’s liability for breach of fiduciary duties and misappropriation of trade secrets. The district court left for trial the remaining claims, as well as the issues of causation and damages for Raduechel’s and Spain’s breach of fiduciary duties and misappropriation of trade secrets. A jury returned a verdict in favor of all defendants on all of PFS’s remaining claims. PFS then moved for equitable relief and a new trial. The district court denied both motions.

PFS now challenges the district court’s (1) denial of PFS’s motion for a new trial; (2) jury instructions on the civil conspiracy, and aiding and abetting claims; (3) expert witness rulings; and (4) denial of equitable relief. Raduechel cross appeals the district court’s dismissal of his counterclaim, and Raduechel and Spain challenge the district court’s summary judgment ruling. We affirm.

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