Miller Johnson & Irwin IP Secure Victory for Intrepid Automation in Trade Secret Misappropriation Case
CHICAGO, IL– August 17, 2026 – Miller Johnson & Irwin IP scored a decisive victory for Intrepid Automation in the Southern District of California, securing a $11.6 million jury verdict after an 8-day trial. The jury unanimously found that 3D Systems, Inc. and one of its employees misappropriated Intrepid Automation’s trade secrets and awarded $5.6 million in compensatory damages. The jury also found 3D Systems’ misappropriation to be willful and malicious, resulting in an award of $6 million in exemplary damages.
This was a significant and complex case against a formidable opponent. 3D Systems is a publicly-traded company and a pioneer and market leader in industrial 3D printing. Intrepid Automation was founded by five former 3D Systems employees. The case centered around Intrepid’s large-frame DLP multiprojection 3D Printer known commercially as “Range,” which was still in development at the time of the misappropriation.
The claims before the San Diego jury were Intrepid’s counterclaims. 3D Systems’ claims against Intrepid and Intrepid’s founders were dismissed on summary judgment over a year ago.
“This trial hinged on the testimony of several of Intrepid’s founders, who spoke with passion about the development of their technology. In the end, Intrepid’s innovation shined through,” said Jeffrey Catalano, lead trial counsel. “This victory has been a long time coming.”
The trial team was led by Jeffrey Catalano, who recently joined Miller Johnson. He was joined by Robyn Bowland, Alex Bennett, and Jennifer Frangella, with strategic guidance from Barry Irwin. The Miller Johnson / Irwin IP team was joined by lawyers from Smith Gambrell & Russell (Jason Stearns) and Wilson Elser (Anne Potiker).
The verdict reflects a true firmwide effort, bringing together some of the newest members of the Intellectual Property team to its most senior practitioners.
“Wins like this do not happen by accident,” said Jason Keener. “They are the product of excellent lawyering, deep technical understanding, preparation, judgment, teamwork, and a willingness to step up when the pressure is highest. This result is a terrific example of what our Intellectual Property team is capable of and something the entire department should be proud of.”
The successful outcome further demonstrates Miller Johnson’s strength in handling complex intellectual property and trade secret disputes for clients facing high-stakes business challenges.
Miller Johnson is a full-service law firm delivering strategic legal counsel to businesses and individuals through corporate law, employment and labor, litigation, mergers & acquisitions, education law, and private client services. The firm’s 170+ attorneys serve clients across regional, national, and global markets from offices in Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo. For more than six decades, Miller Johnson has helped clients navigate complex legal matters through a collaborative, practical, and results-driven approach. The firm is recognized in Chambers USA; Best Lawyers; Best Law Firms; Legal 500; and additional leading rankings and recognition publications reflecting its commitment to excellence and client service.
###