Case Overview

This is bet-the-business litigation for an up-and-coming waste management broker, Ecube Labs Co. d/b/a Haulla, being sued by one of the largest waste management companies in the world, Waste Connections. It’s a modern-day corporate David-and-Goliath story. The mammoth Waste Connections alleges our client, Haulla, committed corporate espionage through its alleged agents in the Philippines by violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, the Lanham Act, the Defend Trade Secrets Act, the Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act and other state laws. This matter includes laws and actors in the United States (California, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Texas and New Mexico), the Philippines and South Korea. Vartabedian Katz Hester & Haynes LLP took over as lead counsel in this matter in January from another large regional firm. Since then, VKHH has had one of the claims dismissed and brought counterclaims against Waste Connections for violations of the Lanham Act and other state laws. Partner Daniella Main and senior associate Blake Glatstein at VKHH are leading the charge, while the case team includes Rob Vartabedian, Connor Bourland, Austin Priddy and Georgina St. Johns. The case is pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, El Paso Division. VKHH also employs local counsel at ScottHulse. This case is far from over, with a motion to dismiss still pending and active discovery. Link to press coverage.