Precision Drone, LLC designs and makes drones and software for use by farmers to monitor crops. According to the Complaint (see below), in September 2014, Precision made a deal with Channel Masters, LLC for Channel to purchase and resell the PaceSetter™ Drone in exchange for a commission on each drone and related parts sold. Precision gave Channel a demonstration drone and training manual and trained Channel’s agents on the use of the PaceSetter drone. As part of the Service Agreement, Channel agreed to not disclose confidential information and signed a non-compete. According to Precision’s complaint, Channel began working for AgriImage, a direct competitor in the agricultural drone market, and began promoting AgriImage drones instead of Precision drones.

At the Nebraska Power Farming Show in December 2014, Precision saw Channel’s agent, Tom Owen, using Precision images, training manual, and sales pitch to resell AgriImage drones. A picture of Mr. Owen using an image and “working the AgriImage booth” is Exhibit C in the court documents embedded below. Then, the very next day after the Nebraska farm show, Channel sent Precision a letter attempting to terminate the Service Agreement without cause. Precision has responded by filing a lawsuit for Breach of Contract and Misappropriation of Trade Secrets.

Precision Drone LLC v. Channel Masters LLC

Court Case Number: 1:15-cv-00476-LJM-TAB
File Date: Monday, March 23, 2015
Plaintiff: Precision Drone LLC
Plaintiff Counsel: John Stephen Terry, Russell B. Cate, and William Edwin Wendling, Jr., of Campbell Kyle Proffitt, LLP
Defendant: Channel Masters LLC
Cause: Breach of Contract, Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
Court: Southern District of Indiana
Judge: Judge Larry J. McKinney
Referred To: Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker