Breakfast Briefing: Is Litigation Stifling Innovation in Manufacturing?

Paul Smith, Susan Tegt and Chris Harristhal presented a lively breakfast briefing on litigation in manufacturing on Thursday, Nov. 9 at Pinstripes in Edina. They demonstrated how manufacturers need to be innovative in all aspects of their business, from product design and development to information protection, to succeed in today’s competitive markets. Often, a misguided fear of litigation leaves manufacturers confused as to which practices reduce risk and which are simply expensive and ineffective. During this brief presentation, they provided a few simple rules that attendees can use to minimize the risk of getting sued without restraining your company’s innovative spirit.

Presenters:

Paul R. Smith
Paul is the chair of Larkin Hoffman’s litigation practice group. He has decades of trial experience defending businesses facing product liability, intellectual property, insurance coverage and other business disputes. This front-row experience has given Paul insight into effective risk-prevention strategies for his clients. 

Susan E. Tegt
Susan is a litigator at Larkin Hoffman who focuses her practice on commercial litigation. She has ten years of experience defending corporations and other business owners in civil trials. Susan has also served as in-house corporate counsel for two franchise brands: Waxing the City® and Anytime Fitness®.

Christopher J. Harristhal 
Chris is a trial attorney in Larkin Hoffman’s employment litigation practice group. He represents business owners and managers in labor and employment matters and provides counsel during shareholder disputes. Chris also advises employers on privacy and data protection policies and procedures.