Experience

Multiple Acquisitions Support Client's Diversification Strategy

Represented a client in completing numerous acquisitions of manufacturing, distribution, construction and technology companies. These transactions ranged from several million dollars to nearly $100 million and occurred over several years. These acquisitions supported the company’s goals of diversifying its products and services offerings in its core markets as well as provided avenues for expansion into other markets.

$34 Million Company Asset Sale

Represented a client in the $34 million sale of client assets and related companies. This was a multi-state transaction of the largest producer and distributor of rubber mulch in the United States.

Counsel to Fortune 500 Tech/Engineering Client on Commercial Agreements

Provide counsel to a multibillion-dollar Fortune 500 technology and engineering company in connection with various supply, distribution, group purchasing, manufacturing, license and other commercial agreements. This representation helps facilitate the company’s go-to-market strategies and sales objectives.

Counsel to Meal Kit Company Preparing for Future Growth

Provided counsel to meal kit delivery service experiencing exponential growth. Addressed complex regulatory and sensitive litigation issues with innovative strategies to position the client for future growth and success.

Successfully Defended Pet Food Brand in Misappropriation of Trade Secrets Case

Successfully defended a pet food company against misappropriation of trade secrets claims. Two of the plaintiff’s employees were terminated by the plaintiff and went on to work for a competitor after developing a new type of packaging to supply to our client. At the same time, the competitor was in the process of developing replacement packaging to supply to our client. Our client moved its business to the competitor and the plaintiff filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri against our client, the two former employees and the competitor. Armstrong Teasdale defended the lawsuit by, among other things, challenging the plaintiff’s characterization of the allegedly misappropriated information as trade secrets. At mediation, the plaintiff agreed to settlement by dropping its claims and requesting a nominal payment from our client pursuant to a raw materials agreement for materials not used by the plaintiff before the relationship was terminated.

Managed Multiple International Patent Portfolios for Manufacturer

Provided development and strategic counsel oversight for multiple U.S. and international patent portfolios for commercially valuable products and systems of a multinational electrical product manufacturer for more than 20 years.

Successfully Defended Snack Chip Manufacturer Against Infringement, Other Claims

Successfully defended client against claims of patent infringement, trademark infringement, trade secret misappropriation and unfair competition brought by leading manufacturer of snack chips. Secured a defense verdict on all claims.

Secured Withdrawal of OSHA Citations for Manufacturing Client

Defended company that received two willful citations under OSHA lead standard when manufacturing with leaded brass. OSHA withdrew both willful citations.

GDPR Compliance Program Implementation for Aviation Service Company

Facilitate the design, build-out and implementation of the client's GDPR compliance program.

Settled Competing Claims Regarding Alleged Fraudulent Transfers of Company Assets

Successfully settled competing claims on behalf of a company whose deceased member was alleged to have engaged in fraudulent transfers of company assets.

Defense, Resolution of Class Action Lawsuits under Fair Credit Reporting Act

Successfully defended and resolved a number of class action lawsuits against major corporations brought under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) for alleged violations of the provisions of the FCRA applicable to employment background checks.

Data Privacy Compliance for Multinational Manufacturer

Represented multinational manufacturer in undertaking compliance with GDPR, including update of privacy policies, negotiation of data privacy addenda, and development of an international data transfer mechanism.

Secured Withdrawal of OSHA Citations Relating to Hexavalent Chrome Standard

Defended company that received 14 citations under OSHA's hexavalent chrome standard, including alleged exceedance of PEL. OSHA withdrew 12 of 14 citations.

Local Counsel on Multibillion-Dollar Merger

Acted as local counsel on multibillion-dollar merger of two publicly traded international organizations.

Advised on Patent Matters Related to Automotive Technologies

Advised in-house counsel on patent-related matters, including noninfringement and invalidity analyses of competitor patents. Prepared and prosecuted patent applications directed to variety of automotive technologies including automotive manufacturing, infotainment systems, electric vehicle (EV) charge controllers, audio systems, suspension systems and other mechanical systems.

Patent Infringement, Invalidity Analysis Relating to Display Screen Technology

Managed patent infringement and invalidity analysis for a client in the area of display screen technology. This involved numerous design patents covering various types of display screens.