Jury Hands Bartlit Beck Complete Victory in Dispute Over Key Chemistry Patent and License Rights
Kaiser Aluminum v. Phosphate Engineering Co. (1997)
Fred Bartlit and Lin Brenza took over this case in the middle of discovery to defend Phosphate Engineering and Construction Company's (PECO) rights under its own patent and technology relating to a novel chemical processes for manufacturing a useful chemical (hydrofluoric acid) from a waste product generated by phosphate plants. After an eight-day jury trial, the jury returned a verdict fully affirming PECO's rights in the technology. Further, although PECO was defendant, the jury awarded PECO substantial damages against Kaiser. The verdict and damage award was successfully defended on appeal.