Paul Hastings Wins Dismissal of Trade Secrets Case Against KMPG Canada and KPMG US

July 08, 2014

New York - Paul Hastings LLP, a leading global law firm, successfully represented KPMG Canada and KPMG US in winning the dismissal of a trade secret litigation case.

The case was brought by a plaintiff who worked as a consultant for Manitoba Hydro (“Hydro”), an electric power and natural gas utility, from 2004 to 2008. During this time plaintiff drafted various reports claiming to have uncovered a series of risk management issues at Hydro. After receiving plaintiff’s reports, Hydro retained KPMG to review the plaintiff’s findings, including plaintiff’s reports, and issue a report of its own regarding the risk management issues identified by plaintiff. The plaintiff later sued KPMG and Hydro, claiming among other things that its reports contained confidential information and trade secrets that KPMG reviewed and misappropriated.
Paul Hastings moved to dismiss the complaint against KPMG Canada and KPMG US. On Monday, June 30, Judge Crotty of the Southern District of New York granted the motion to dismiss in its entirety and with prejudice.
This result is particularly noteworthy given the fact-intensive nature of trade secret and tortious interference with contract claims.

The team at Paul Hastings included New York partner Dan Goldman and associates Kevin Broughel, Rachel Snyder and Adam Braveman.
Paul Hastings is a leading global law firm with a strong presence throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Through a collaborative approach, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to client service, the professionals of Paul Hastings deliver innovative solutions to many of the world’s top financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies.