Hallmark Prevails in Trade Secrets Lawsuit

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Today, a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri ruled in Hallmark’s favor on all claims in a case against Monitor Clipper Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm.

The jury found that Monitor Clipper misappropriated Hallmark’s trade secrets from Monitor Consulting Group, which had done consulting work with Hallmark in the past. Hallmark was awarded $31.3 million, which included $10 million in punitive damages.

“We are pleased with the jury’s verdict and their recognition of the importance of protecting proprietary business information and intellectual property,” said Brian Gardner, executive vice president – general counsel.


About Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Hallmark makes the world a more caring place by helping people express what’s in their hearts and spend time together – a privilege few other companies in the world enjoy. Hallmark greeting cards and other products are found in more than 38,000 retail outlets in the United States, including the network of flagship Hallmark Gold Crown® stores. The brand also reaches people online at Hallmark.com and on television through Hallmark Hall of Fame original movies and cable’s top-rated Hallmark Channel. Worldwide, Hallmark offers products in more than 30 languages available in 100 countries. This privately held company is based in Kansas City, Mo., and is led by the third generation of the founding Hall family. Visit http://corporate.hallmark.com for more details.