GreatCall wins affirmance of IP defense verdict in trade secret and patent telecom dispute

Client(s) GreatCall, Inc.

Jones Day won in binding arbitration and on appeal for GreatCall, Inc. in IP litigation brought by the company's founders. Jones Day first won a defense verdict following a ten day binding arbitration of this "bet the company" case. The dispute arose after GreatCall terminated its IP license with the founders’ company Dyna LLC. GreatCall defeated Dyna's $725M lawsuit that asserted misappropriation of 21 trade secrets, infringement of two patents, breach of the license agreement, and other unfair competition and tort claims. The Daily Journal recognized this victory as a "Top Defense Verdict." Dyna appealed claiming that the arbitrator exceeded the scope of his authority in ruling in GreatCall's favor. GreatCall cross-appealed the trial court's reduction of GreatCall's cost award from the arbitrator. The California appellate court not only affirmed the defense verdict but it also reinstated GreatCall's $547,000 in costs. Winning the arbitration and appeal secured GreatCall's freedom from the founders' claims for control over the company.

Dyna, LLC v. GreatCall, Inc., No. 37-2014-00012024 (Cal. Super. Ct.); Dyna, LLC v. GreatCall, Inc., No. D071003 (Cal. Ct. App.); AAA Case No. 01-14-0001-8133