Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP Represents Intrepid Automation in Significant Victory in Trade Secret Case

TAMPA (August 19, 2026) – Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP (“SGR”) is pleased to announce that the Firm contributed to a decisive victory for client Intrepid Automation, securing a $11.7 million jury verdict after an 8-day trial in the Southern District of California. Intrepid Automation builds industrial, use-case specific 3D print systems for high-volume additive manufacturing and similar solutions.

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 that 3D Systems engaged in willful misappropriation and awarded an additional $6 million in exemplary/punitive damages against 3D Systems.

“The outcome was particularly satisfying because the jury made a statement that it would not allow 3D Systems, once a pioneer of 3D printing technology decades ago, to stifle competition and innovation through its bully tactics and anticompetitive behavior in the marketplace,” said Jason Stearns, Tampa Office Managing Partner and Head of the Intellectual Property Litigation Practice. The parties have been litigating since 2021, when 3D Systems filed claims against Intrepid and its founders. The Court dismissed those claims on summary judgment and allowed only Intrepid’s counterclaims to proceed to trial. “Intrepid is now able to return its focus to continuing to innovate now that this litigation is one step closer to an end.”   

Tampa Office Managing Partner and Head of the Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Jason Stearns represented Intrepid Automation, which was also represented at trial by former SGR partner Jeff Catalano, along with Robyn Bowland, Alex Bennett, Barry Irwin, Jennifer Frangella from Irwin IP and Wilson Elser attorney Anne Potiker.

SGR’s Intellectual Property Litigation Group provides strategic, business‑focused advocacy for companies whose intellectual property drives value and competitive advantage. We work closely with clients to protect, enforce, defend, and monetize their IP, ensuring that litigation strategies align with broader commercial goals. Our team has deep experience across all areas of intellectual property litigation, including patent, trade secret, trademark, and copyright disputes, as well as unfair competition claims under state and federal statutes such as the Lanham Act and the Sherman Act. We are highly effective at developing and executing enforcement and defense strategies in complex, high‑stakes matters. Learn more about the team here: https://www.sgrlaw.com/capabilities/ip

About Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP
Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP is a full-service, international law firm that advises regional, national and global businesses on a wide range of legal matters. The Firm’s more than 400 professionals provide legal counsel in more than 50 specialized practice areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, intellectual property, aviation, banking, real estate, insurance/reinsurance, construction, employment law, international, and employee benefits and executive compensation. Founded in 1893, Smith Gambrell has 15 domestic and international offices, including Atlanta; Austin; Charlotte; Chicago; Houston; Jacksonville; London; Los Angeles; Miami; Milan; Munich; New York; Southampton; Tampa; and Washington, D.C.

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