Columbia Sportswear Company, active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment retailer, announced on Friday that it has resolved its pending claims against Crocs, Inc. in Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland, Oregon.

www.columbia.com

The case arose because Crocs hired a Columbia employee as an independent contractor while he was working for Columbia. Columbia alleged claims of misappropriation of trade secrets, intentional interference with contract, and aiding and abetting the employee’s breach of his duty of loyalty to Columbia.

The parties have settled all issues between them relating to the engagement of this employee and Columbia has dismissed all claims against Crocs in exchange for monetary and other considerations.

Columbia’s Senior Vice President of Legal and Corporate Affairs, Peter Bragdon, stated, “Columbia prides itself on talent, product design and innovation. We will continue to aggressively protect our intellectual property rights.”

Columbia continues to pursue its separate claim in Multnomah County Circuit Court against Brian O’Boyle, the former employee who was retained by Crocs.



By Rosie Hart