GrubMarket, Inc., a Delaware corporation specializing in organic produce distribution, has filed a comprehensive lawsuit against two former employees, accusing them of misappropriating trade secrets and engaging in unfair competition. The complaint was lodged by GrubMarket, Inc. on March 20, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, targeting Brendan Kline and Brian Everett as defendants.
The lawsuit alleges that Kline and Everett, while employed as General Manager and Sales Manager respectively at GrubMarket's Organic Harvest Network division, exploited their positions to form a competing business venture. According to the complaint, both individuals had access to confidential information including customer lists and pricing strategies which they allegedly used for personal gain. GrubMarket claims that these actions constitute breaches of fiduciary duty and violations of California’s Unfair Business Practices Act. "The Defendants acted fraudulently, willfully, maliciously," the complaint states, further alleging that they directed business away from GrubMarket to their own enterprise.
GrubMarket is seeking several forms of relief from the court. They demand an injunction to prevent further use or disclosure of their confidential information by the defendants. Additionally, they are pursuing damages for economic losses incurred due to the alleged misconduct. The company also seeks punitive damages and disgorgement of any profits made by Kline and Everett through these alleged activities. Moreover, GrubMarket requests an accounting of all benefits received by the defendants during their employment.
The case is being handled by Justin T. Campagne from Campagne & Campagne law firm representing GrubMarket. The presiding judge is yet to be assigned under Case ID CGC-25-623500.