Arkansas Supreme Court Upholds Trucking Trade Secrets Decision

LITTLE ROCK (AP) — The Arkansas Supreme Court upheld an injunction against a trucking company that was accused by J.B. Hunt Transport Services of raiding its workers and their knowledge of Hunt's business.

he suit was filed in 1997 in Benton County Chancery Court and the judge enjoined Cardinal Freight Carries Inc. from conducting new business with four of Hunt's customers for one year.

ardinal, of North Carolina, argued that agreements that Hunt had with employees who went to Cardinal stipulated that certain information be kept confidential but did not contain a non-compete clause. Cardinal claimed the judge improperly created non-competition between the parties. The high court said Thursday the initial ruling was correct.

ardinal also argued that Hunt failed to identify any protectable trade secrets. The justices disagreed, saying Hunt showed that it had concern that information about how much money it

as making from certain customers could get out. Hunt also demonstrated concern that the former employees had information about computer systems and the company's future plans.

In sum, we harbor no doubts that Hunt's confidential agreements signed by (Cardinal) employees cover secrets of the type that are protected by Arkansas' Trade Secrets Act," the court

rote.

The injunction expired July 15, 1998, one year after the former Hunt employees resigned and worked for Cardinal.