Western Sugar Coop. v. Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

ORDER GRANTING INGREDION INCORPORATED’S AND TATE & LYLE INGREDIENTS AMERICAS, INC.’S MOTION TO DISQUALIFY SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS LLP

Before the Court is Defendant/Counter-claimant Ingredion Incorporated’s and Tate & Lyle Ingredients Americas, Inc.’s Motions to Disqualify Plaintiffs’ counsel, Squire Patton Boggs LLP (collectively the “Motions”). (Dkt. Nos. 232, 233.) Squire Patton Boggs LLP and Plaintiff Sugar Association oppose the Motions. (Dkt. Nos. 250, 249, 252.)

*1078 I. JURISDICTION

This Court has jurisdiction over this matter pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1831 , 1338.

II. PROCEDURAL AND FACTUAL BACKGROUND

The underlying case arises from false advertising claims relating to the marketing of high-fructose corn syrup (“HFCS”), pitting the sugar industry against the corn-refining industry. Plaintiffs are sugar industry manufacturers, trade groups, and associations: Western Sugar Cooperative; Michigan Sugar Co.; C & H Sugar Co., Inc.; United States Sugar Corporation; American Sugar Refining, Inc.; The Amalgamated Sugar Co., LLC; Imperial Sugar Corp.; Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative; The American Sugar Cane League U.S.A., Inc.; and The Sugar Association, Inc. (“Sugar Association”)…