A Harris County jury delivered a mixed verdict to two Houston energy services companies in a court dispute over trade secrets, confidentiality and a non-compete agreement. Lynn Pinker Cox & Hurst partner Jonathan R. Childers told the Houston Chronicle the two companies were not fighting for the employment obligations.

"It's clear to me they're fighting to the death for the trade secrets," said Jonathan R. Childers, who represents energy clients in trade secret litigation.

The case involved Jeff Russo, who signed a non-compete with then employer M-I Swaco. After working his way up to a salesman position, Russo left the company for a job with National Oilwell Varco (NOV), the company’s rival. The jury found M-I Swaco acted in bad faith when the company accused Russo of stealing trade secrets to enforce his non-compete. On the other hand, the jury said Russo and NOV didn’t follow M-I Swaco’s confidentiality provisions.

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