Herff Jones Wins Confidentiality Agreement Litigation Against Biggest Competitor Jostens

Multi-million dollar compensatory and punitive damages awarded at trial involving unlawful, anti-competitive conduct

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Apr 16, 2019, 10:45 ET

INDIANAPOLIS, April 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Herff Jones, the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services, announced that on April 12 a jury in Mobile, Ala., ruled unanimously in its favor in significant litigation against its biggest competitor, Jostens, Inc. Specifically, the jury found that Jostens conspired and stole confidential and trade secret information, and interfered with Herff Jones' contracts with its sales representatives. The jury further concluded that Herff Jones was entitled to a multi-million dollar award as a result of these actions.

Jeff Drees, president of Herff Jones, stated, "In handing down this multi-million dollar verdict in favor of Herff Jones, the jury clearly delineated between acceptable, competitive business activities and the outright theft of trade secrets and confidential information. We appreciate the jury's passionate deliberation and the message it sends to employees, sales partners as well as companies across the nation; namely that doing the right thing, being accountable, and conducting oneself fairly and honestly are virtues that should be at the heart of any good business."

Herff Jones was represented by Lynn, Pinker, Cox & Hurst along with the Kullman Firm and Burr & Forman, in addition to internal legal counsel. The case, which was filed in the Circuit Court of Mobile, Ala. is styled as Herff Jones and Brent Gilbert v Jostens, John Wiggins and Chris Urnis, Circuit Court of Mobile County, Alabama, CASE NO. CV-16-901415.

ABOUT HERFF JONES
Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. A division of Varsity Brands, Herff Jones' products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, yearbooks, diplomas and announcements as well as motivation and recognition programs. Focused on building long-term relationships through a nationwide network of over 2,000 employees and sales partners, the professionals at Herff Jones have been helping elevate the student experience throughout the lifelong journey of education for more than 99 years. For more information about Herff Jones or Varsity Brands, please visit www.herffjones.com or www.varsitybrands.com.

ABOUT VARSITY BRANDS
With a mission to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses: Herff Jones, A Varsity Achievement Brand; BSN SPORTS, a Varsity Sport Brand; and Varsity Spirit. Together, these assets promote personal, school and community pride through their customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, as well as church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. Through its 9,000 dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year via catalog, telesales, e-commerce sites and direct sales channels.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Perry Street Communications
Jonathan Morgan
[email protected]
(214) 965-9955

SOURCE Herff Jones, LLC