Traverse Internet Law Federal Court Report: June 2009 Trade Secret Violation Lawsuits

Traverse Internet Law Disclaimer

The facts are unproven allegations of the Plaintiff and all commentary is based upon the allegations, the truthfulness and accuracy of which are likely in dispute.

PROJECT VOTE/VOTING FOR AMERICA, INC. v. ASHAWNITA MONCRIEF AND JOHN DOE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (WASHINGTON, DC)
1:09-CV-01109
FILED: 6/17/2009

This lawsuit brings up the issue of “exit debriefing”. When you have an employee leave your business it is important to make sure that not only is that employee not leaving with hard documents or electronic records but also critically essential that any electronic access be terminated. Of course we do not know if these allegations are true, but it is a reminder that there must be due care taken when an employee leaves your employ.
The Plaintiff, Project Vote/Voting for America, Inc., is a nonprofit organization organized and existing under the laws of Louisiana with Washington, DC offices. It is a national organization dedicated to promoting social welfare through public education in the area of civil participation through voting and promoting voter registration for qualified U.S. citizens. The Defendant is an individual who was employed as a development assistant by the Plaintiff in its Washington, DC office for three years. The Defendant is alleged to have sharply criticized the Plaintiff for its executive director’s ties to the high profile “ACORN” organization. The allegations are that the Defendant has been publishing information and documentation that is of a trade secret nature.

The lawsuit claims trademark infringement, trademark dilution, false designation of origin, misappropriation of trade secrets, tortious interference with prospective economic advantage, trespass to chattels, civil conspiracy, conversion, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and breach of contract. The prayer for relief requests an award for compensatory damages, exemplary damages of at least $5,000,000.00, triple damages, attorneys’ fees, and the entry of preliminary and permanent injunctive relief. Traverse Internet Law Cross-Reference Number 1331.