Foro Energy Secures Trade Secrets Trial Defense Win Against Fellow Houston Co.

A Houston federal judge Tuesday cleared Houston-based Foro Energy of misappropriating trade secrets and breaching a contract with Vita International over technology involving decommissioning work — an aspect of the equipment-removal process — in offshore oil and gas extraction. 

The 40-page order, signed by U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison of the Southern District of Texas, clears Foro from potential liability amounting to tens of millions of dollars that Houston-based Vita sought. It follows a four-day bench trial in August that was originally scheduled to be be heard by a jury, until the Delta variant took storm.