Vekamaf Holland B.V. v. Pipe Benders, Inc.

LAY, Chief Judge.

This is an appeal from a lengthy and involved action for breach of a written secrecy agreement, patent infringement, and misappropriation of trade secrets. The underlying dispute involves machines utilizing a continuous inductive heating method of bending large diameter metal pipes.1

Plaintiffs (hereinafter sometimes referred to collectively as “Vekamaf”) are three Dutch companies engaged in the design, production, and sale of technical and engineering equipment. Vekamaf, the parent company, handles all international sales except those in the United States, which are handled…