On December 10, the 3rd Circuit upheld a district court decision dismissing Microbilt Corporation’s claims for misappropriation of trade secrets under the Florida Uniform Trade Secrets Act (“FUTSA”). Microbilt claimed that Gunster violated the FUTSA when they attached copies of invoices from customers of a Microbilt subsidiary as an exhibit in a complaint alleging breach of contract, filed in the Middle District of Florida.
On appeal, the 3rd Circuit explained that it is “well-settled under Florida law that the absolute litigation privilege applies to statements in pleadings filed with the court.” Thus the court reasoned, foreign state exceptions to the privilege, relied on by Microbilt, are irrelevant to the case at present. Further, since the privilege is settled law, the court need not submit it as a certified question to Florida Supreme Court.