Computer Task Group, Incorporated v. William Krag Brotby Security Products International

Computer Task Group (CTG) hired William Krag Brotby as an information technologies consultant in 1995. As a condition of his employment, Brotby signed a non-disclosure/non-solicitation agreement. The agreement restricted Brotby’s ability to work for CTG’s customers and to disclose or use confidential or proprietary information once he left the firm. While employed by CTG, Brotby worked on a project for CTG’s client, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company.

Brotby left CTG in 1997 and began working for Alyeska. CTG sued, alleging breach of the non-solicitation/non-disclosure agreement and various business torts. CTG sought a preliminary injunction to prevent Brotby from working for Alyeska, and compensatory and punitive damages. After a hearing, the district court granted the preliminary injunction. Brotby counter claimed, alleging constructive discharge and intentional interference with economic advantage.

Discovery was fought tooth and nail. Brotby refused to fully respond to CTG’s interrogatories. Instead, he gave contradictory answers, made frivolous objections and filed baseless motions, never disclosing all the information CTG sought. He made excuses and changed his story…