Bartko LLP Files Motion for Sanctions Against Walmart on Behalf of Zest Labs Over Alleged Concealed Patents – Featured in Law360

San Francisco, CA – October 25, 2024 – As featured in Law360 – Patrick Ryan, co-managing partner of Bartko LLP and a prominent expert in intellectual property and trade secret litigation, has filed a motion for sanctions against Walmart Inc. on behalf of Zest Labs, Inc. The motion, filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, accuses Walmart of withholding critical patent-related evidence in ongoing litigation over Zest’s proprietary shelf-freshness technology.

Ryan, who brings decades of experience in high-stakes corporate litigation, is part of the team representing Zest Labs in this complex dispute. “Walmart not only exploited Zest’s trade secrets under the guise of a partnership but also secretly filed patent applications for the very technology at the center of this case,” said Ryan. “Such actions undermine the integrity of the legal process and threaten the protection of proprietary information.”

The motion filed by Ryan and his colleagues seeks additional discovery, jury instructions addressing Walmart’s alleged misconduct, and financial sanctions. Zest Labs had initially been awarded $115 million in damages, but a retrial was ordered following the discovery of concealed patent applications that could have influenced the original verdict.

Ryan’s representation of Zest Labs is supported by his skilled team at Bartko LLP, including attorneys Sean R. McTigue, Kenneth L. Richard, Natalie A. Felsen, Scott P. Richardson, H. Christopher Bartolomucci, and Kate M. Falkenstien. Their combined expertise highlights the firm’s commitment to defending clients’ intellectual property rights and setting the standard for excellence in IP litigation.

To view the full Law360 article click here.

Contact: Patrick M. Ryan | [email protected] | 415.291.4540