Metallurgical Industries Inc. v. Fourtek, Inc., Irving Bielefeldt, Norman Montesino, Gary Boehm, Michael Sarvadi & Smith International, Inc.

GEE, Circuit Judge:

Today’s case requires us to review Texas law on the misappropriation of trade secrets. Having done so, we conclude that the district court misconceived the nature and elements of this cause of action, a misconception that led it to direct a verdict erroneously in favor of appellee Bielefeldt. We also conclude that the court abused its discretion in excluding certain evidence. Accordingly, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand the case for a new trial.

I. FACTS OF THE CASE

We commence with a brief description of the scientific process concerned. Tungsten carbide is a…