Confold Pacific, Inc. v. Polaris Industries, Inc.

433 F.3d 952 (7th Cir. 2006)

Facts

D began considering the possibility of using returnable containers to ship its products P was a new company that wanted to produce such containers. P and CAPS Logistics conducted a 'reverse logistics analysis' of D's shipping needs. That work was done based on an agreement, prepared by P, between it and D that was entitled 'Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement--Logistics Consulting Version.' D then requested proposals from nine firms, including P. D accepted none of the proposals. A few years later it designed a returnable container and began using containers manufactured by a firm to which it had given the design. P claims that D's design was based on the design that it had submitted to D in response to the request for proposals. D moved for summary judgment, and it was granted. P appealed.