H.K. Porter Co. v. National Friction Products

568 F.2d 24 (7th Cir. 1977)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

P filed a complaint alleging that the corporate and individual defendants (Ds) infringed P’s rights in trade secrets and confidential information. P and D entered into a four-page settlement agreement on March 25, 1968. The court adopted the Settlement Agreement and made it part of the judicial decree by reference. On August 28, 1975, P filed a motion for issuance of order to show cause and for contempt alleging that Ds have failed and refused to comply with and have disobeyed and disregarded the provisions of the court order and consent decree. P asked the court for contempt and that Ds pay to P the sum of $300,000 in compensatory and $1,000,000 in punitive damages along with attorneys’ fees in order to purge themselves of contempt. The motion was dismissed, and P appealed.