MacHen, Inc. v. Aircraft Design, Inc.

Machen, Inc., and American Aviation, Inc., appeal (a) the summary judgment dismissal of their trade secret and contract claims, (b) the jury verdict and judgment awarding damages to Aircraft Design, Inc., on its defamation and commercial disparagement counterclaims, and (c) the denial of their motion for judgment notwithstanding verdict. We reverse the award of damages to Aircraft Design on its defamation and commercial disparagement counterclaims, but affirm in all other respects.

Machen, Inc., and American Aviation, Inc., develop and manufacture new airplane parts on an aftermarket basis. On…