Mayo settles with competitor over stolen secret allegations
Updated: Dec. 11, 9:55 a.m. | Posted: Dec. 4, 12:36 p.m.
Mayo Clinic and Quest Diagnostics have reached an agreement in Mayo's suit against one of its former top executives.
In a lawsuit filed in October, Mayo alleged Dr. Franklin Cockerill III was secretly hired by Quest Diagnostics but continued to work as the president and CEO of Mayo Medical Labs so he could steal Mayo trade secrets. Mayo also alleged Cockerill attended confidential meetings before telling the clinic he was leaving.
• October: Judge's order stops ex-Mayo executive's work for competing firm
As part of the agreement, Cockerill has resigned from Quest and Quest has filed a motion to withdraw from the suit, said Mayo spokesman Bryan Anderson.
Mayo is not pursuing any claims against Quest. But the clinic continues to pursue remaining claims against Cockerill to protect confidential trade secrets against improper disclosure. Quest emphasizes it hasn't been accused of wrongdoing and that there were never any claims against it.
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