On February 7, 2010, U.S. District Judge R. Barclay Surrick, the judge presiding over the Bimbo Bakeries v. Botticella trade secret dispute, granted a preliminary injunction against Chris Botticella, a former senior vice president at Bimbo Bakeries USA—the parent company of Thomas’ English Muffins. The injunction prevents Botticella from starting a position at Hostess Inc. Judge Surrick cited concerns about the suspicious circumstances surrounding Botticella’s departure, when evidence was presented that showed Botticella announcing his retirement, while never mentioning an offer he accepted from rival company Hostess. Judge Surrick also cited the suspicious activities, including the accessing of confidential trade secrets on his final day at Bimbo, as reason for the injunction. Botticella is said to be one of seven individuals with the secret methods involved in creating Thomas’ “nooks and crannies.”

By Eric Perrott

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