August 11, 2025
Publication: The American Lawyer
The American Lawyer recognized Kobre & Kim’s Michael Ng and Daniel Zaheer for winning $195 million in exemplary damages for client Propel Fuels, Inc. The two were named as “Litigators of the Week” last October after winning $604.9 million in compensatory damages for Propel following a five-week jury trial in California court. The court also added post-verdict interest, bringing the total judgment to $833.7 million—the fifth-largest trade secret judgment of all time.
Shout-out to Michael Ng and Daniel Zaheer of Kobre & Kim, who took home Litigator of the Week honors last October after landing a $604.9 million verdict for low-carbon fuels retailer Propel Fuels Inc. in a trade secrets case against Phillips 66 Co. Last week, Alameda County Superior Judge Michael Markman tacked on an additional $195 million in exemplary damages plus interest, bringing the total award to $833.7 million. Markman found Phillips 66’s conduct “reprehensible” from a business perspective. “The evidence at trial reflects that Phillips 66 took advantage of Propel Fuels by abusing its bargaining power during due diligence,” the judge wrote.
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