Core Viewpoint - The case between Propel Fuels and Phillips 66 highlights the significant financial implications of trade secret infringement, resulting in a total compensation of over $800 million awarded to Propel Fuels, marking it as one of the top five cases in the U.S. for such violations [1][2][9]. Group 1: Company Backgrounds - Propel Fuels, founded in 2004, is a small company with fewer than 50 employees and annual sales in the millions, specializing in low-carbon renewable fuels, including E85 [2]. - Phillips 66, established in 1917, is a large oil company with over 13,000 employees and annual revenues exceeding $150 billion, representing a stark contrast to Propel Fuels [2]. Group 2: Legal Proceedings - Propel Fuels filed a lawsuit against Phillips 66 in February 2022, claiming infringement of trade secrets after Phillips 66 abruptly terminated acquisition talks and entered the E85 market independently [3][5]. - The lawsuit was supported by evidence obtained through the U.S. discovery process, which allowed Propel Fuels to access internal communications from Phillips 66 that indicated the misuse of confidential information [4][5]. Group 3: Compensation Details - The jury determined that Phillips 66's unjust enrichment from the infringement amounted to $604.9 million, with an additional punitive damages award of $195 million due to the company's malicious intent [9]. - The total compensation awarded to Propel Fuels exceeded $800 million, significantly higher than Propel Fuels' estimated valuation of $55.8 million in 2018 [9]. Group 4: Legal Strategy and Execution - Propel Fuels' legal team, Kobre Kim, effectively gathered critical evidence and utilized strategic courtroom tactics, including the timing of the lawsuit and the selection of witnesses, to strengthen their case [7][12]. - The case was resolved relatively quickly, with the trial concluding in about two and a half years, which is notably fast for the U.S. legal system [14][15].