World Financial Group, Inc. v. HBW Insurance & Financial Services Inc.

Defendants HBW Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. (HBW), and six of its agents appeal the denial of their motion to strike the complaint filed against them by World Financial Group, Inc. (WFG), pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16, the anti-SLAPP statute (strategic lawsuit against public participation). The complaint primarily alleges that defendants, WFG’s direct competitors, misappropriated WFG’s trade secrets and utilized confidential information to solicit WFG’s associates and customers. The trial court denied the motion on the ground that defendants failed to make a prima facie showing that the complaint arose from protected activity. We affirm.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

The Parties

WFG is a corporation that provides insurance, pension, and financial services to businesses and individuals in the United States and Canada. HBW is WFG’s direct competitor. Defendants Dominique Moore, Terry Kennedy, Gabriel Paredes, and Jaime Paredes (hereinafter collectively referred to as the contracting defendants) are all former associates at WFG offices in California and Nevada who are now agents for HBW. Defendants Jeff Crawford and James Crawford are HBW…