Balfour’s Trade Secrets, Poaching Case Against Jostens Proceeds

Jostens, Inc. must face the trade secret and tortious interference suit brought by its competitor Balfour, claiming that Jostens poached their employees and trade secrets as part of a concerted plan, a federal Minnesota court ruled.

Jostens and Balfour are two of the three major competitors in the school products industry, producing class rings, yearbooks, and other products. Balfour previously did business as American Achievement Corp.

Balfour alleged Jostens poached 21 Balfour sales representatives in a five month period, resulting in the loss of 1,000 clients, the US District Court for the District of Minnesota said Thursday.

It sued Jostens ...