Mallet and Company Secures Over $19 Million in Legal Victory Against Bundy Baking and Synova
On December 31, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania delivered a significant ruling favoring Mallet and Company, a subsidiary of Vantage Specialty Chemicals, in its ongoing legal battle against Bundy Baking and its affiliate, Synova. This ruling comes on the heels of a jury verdict from April 2025, which determined that Bundy Baking and Synova had unlawfully appropriated Mallet's proprietary trade secrets related to baking products. Chief Judge Cathy Bissoon's latest judgment included a staggering award of over $19 million in damages, fees, and costs against the defendants.
The court's decision arose after the original jury found that Bundy and Synova had engaged in willful and malicious conduct when they misappropriated eleven of Mallet's trade secrets, which included critical formulas essential for their baking release agents. In addition to the punitive damages of $4.25 million awarded by the jury, the court added $11 million in attorneys' fees and costs, along with $617,000 in prejudgment interest, bringing the total financial liability for Bundy Baking to $19,265,409, with more sanctions to follow.
Among the key points highlighted in the court's ruling was the granting of an injunction against Bundy Baking and Synova, barring them from manufacturing or selling any products utilizing Mallet's trade secrets. This injunction specifically targets Synova’s Supra 130 product and any items with similar formulations, solidifying Mallet's control over its intellectual property. Moreover, the judge sanctioned the defendants for their attempts to improperly disclose sensitive trade secrets in subsequent court filings, emphasizing that their explanations were lacking in credibility.
Mallet’s legal representation during this dispute included the prominent law firm Mayer Brown LLP, which effectively underscored the significance of intellectual property rights and trade secret protection within the competitive landscape of the food industry. Following the ruling, Jan Tinge, Executive Vice President of Vantage, expressed appreciation for the court's decisive action, stating, “This ruling showcases the inherent value of our products and underscores the necessity of protecting our intellectual property.”
The verdict sends a clear message about the repercussions of undermining proprietary business information, affirming the importance of ethical conduct in the marketplace. Mallet and Company remains committed to delivering high-quality products and solutions, reinforcing their position as a leader in the industry. Founded in 2016 as part of Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Mallet has consistently evolved to meet market demands, particularly through a series of strategic acquisitions that have expanded its product offerings.
As this case unfolds, the implications for the baking and food technology sectors are profound. Not only does it shed light on the importance of legal protections for trade secrets, but it also serves as a reminder for businesses operating in competitive environments to maintain rigorous safeguards around their proprietary information.
Looking ahead, Mallet and Company is poised to continue providing exceptional products and services, ensuring that it retains a competitive edge while promoting ethical business practices throughout the industry. As they await further court determinations regarding additional penalties for Bundy Baking and its legal team, the firm remains hopeful of not only recovering losses but setting a precedent for future cases involving trade secret violations.
The ruling stands as a significant legal triumph for Vantage Specialty Chemicals, reinforcing their commitment to protecting innovation and investing in the future growth of their operations. With extensive experience and a comprehensive portfolio, they are dedicated to serving the diverse needs of both large-scale operations and small businesses alike in the food industry.
Mallet and Company's case, identified as Mallet & Co v. Lacayo, et al., underlines the crucial interplay between innovation, legal frameworks, and business success in today's rapidly evolving market.
The court's decision arose after the original jury found that Bundy and Synova had engaged in willful and malicious conduct when they misappropriated eleven of Mallet's trade secrets, which included critical formulas essential for their baking release agents. In addition to the punitive damages of $4.25 million awarded by the jury, the court added $11 million in attorneys' fees and costs, along with $617,000 in prejudgment interest, bringing the total financial liability for Bundy Baking to $19,265,409, with more sanctions to follow.
Among the key points highlighted in the court's ruling was the granting of an injunction against Bundy Baking and Synova, barring them from manufacturing or selling any products utilizing Mallet's trade secrets. This injunction specifically targets Synova’s Supra 130 product and any items with similar formulations, solidifying Mallet's control over its intellectual property. Moreover, the judge sanctioned the defendants for their attempts to improperly disclose sensitive trade secrets in subsequent court filings, emphasizing that their explanations were lacking in credibility.
Mallet’s legal representation during this dispute included the prominent law firm Mayer Brown LLP, which effectively underscored the significance of intellectual property rights and trade secret protection within the competitive landscape of the food industry. Following the ruling, Jan Tinge, Executive Vice President of Vantage, expressed appreciation for the court's decisive action, stating, “This ruling showcases the inherent value of our products and underscores the necessity of protecting our intellectual property.”
The verdict sends a clear message about the repercussions of undermining proprietary business information, affirming the importance of ethical conduct in the marketplace. Mallet and Company remains committed to delivering high-quality products and solutions, reinforcing their position as a leader in the industry. Founded in 2016 as part of Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Mallet has consistently evolved to meet market demands, particularly through a series of strategic acquisitions that have expanded its product offerings.
As this case unfolds, the implications for the baking and food technology sectors are profound. Not only does it shed light on the importance of legal protections for trade secrets, but it also serves as a reminder for businesses operating in competitive environments to maintain rigorous safeguards around their proprietary information.
Looking ahead, Mallet and Company is poised to continue providing exceptional products and services, ensuring that it retains a competitive edge while promoting ethical business practices throughout the industry. As they await further court determinations regarding additional penalties for Bundy Baking and its legal team, the firm remains hopeful of not only recovering losses but setting a precedent for future cases involving trade secret violations.
The ruling stands as a significant legal triumph for Vantage Specialty Chemicals, reinforcing their commitment to protecting innovation and investing in the future growth of their operations. With extensive experience and a comprehensive portfolio, they are dedicated to serving the diverse needs of both large-scale operations and small businesses alike in the food industry.
Mallet and Company's case, identified as Mallet & Co v. Lacayo, et al., underlines the crucial interplay between innovation, legal frameworks, and business success in today's rapidly evolving market.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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