Smith & Fuller, P.A. v. Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.

In the underlying action in this case, Appellants Smith & Fuller, P.A. and Hugh Smith represented the Trenado family in a products liability suit against Appellee Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. That case resulted in a jury verdict in favor of Cooper. During the proceedings, Smith and his law firm violated a protective entered by the district court to protect Cooper's trade secrets and confidential information produced during discovery. Following trial, the district court held that Smith and his firm did not willfully violate the protective order but determined that sanctions should be imposed. Appellants appealed, contending that the district court lacked authority to impose sanctions and that the fees and expenses sought by Cooper were unreasonable. The Fifth Circuit affirmed, holding (1) the district court imposed the sanctions under its authority; and (2) the expenses sought by Cooper in this matter were reasonable. View "Smith & Fuller, P.A. v. Cooper Tire & Rubber Co." on Justia Law