Subsequent to an April jury verdict finding that Bundy Baking and its affiliate Synova had misappropriated Mallet’s trade secrets, the defendants are now obligated to pay over $19 million in damages, fees, and costs; the federal judge also rules that Bundy and Synova should be sanctioned for “indefensible” post-trial conduct, with further penalties to follow.

DEERFIELD, Ill., Jan. 7, 2026 — Vantage Specialty Chemicals Inc. and its subsidiary, Mallet and Company, disclosed that on December 31, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania had granted its extensive post-trial motions against Bundy Baking Solutions and its affiliate, Synova. 

The motions granted by Chief Judge Cathy Bissoon in Pittsburgh followed an April 2025 jury verdict that determined Bundy Banking and Synova had misappropriated product formulas and other trade secrets related to the production and sale of Mallet’s baking release agents. The court’s new ruling stated that the jury in that trial found Bundy and Synova’s actions to be ‘willful and malicious’ and awarded punitive damages against both companies on all applicable claims.

Prohibited from Making/Selling Certain Products

Among the motions granted by Chief Judge Bissoon was Mallet’s request for an injunction to prevent Bundy Baking and Synova from manufacturing and selling any product derived from Mallet’s trade secrets—specifically Synova’s Supra 130 product and any product with a substantially similar formula. 

Sanctioned for Disclosure of Trade Secrets

Additionally, Chief Judge Bissoon ruled that Bundy and Synova should be sanctioned for the improper disclosure of Mallet’s trade secrets in a post-trial court filing regarding Supra 130. The precise amount of the sanctions will be decided by the court at a later date. Remarkably, Chief Judge Bissoon stated, ‘Defense counsel’s explanations seek plausible deniability, but they fall short of the “plausible” aspect.’

Awarded Fees and Costs

In addition to the original $7.25 million jury verdict against Bundy, Chief Judge Bissoon awarded Mallet and Company over $11 million in attorneys’ fees and costs, along with $617,000 in prejudgment interest, bringing Bundy Baking’s current total payment to $19,265,409 plus post-judgment interest. Further fees and costs will arise as the court considers sanctions against Bundy and its legal team.

No Changes to the Jury’s Verdict

Chief Judge Bissoon’s ruling also rejected the Bundy parties’ motion for a judgment in law and their motion for a new trial. ‘It seems as if the defendants attended a different trial than everyone else,’ Chief Judge Bissoon wrote when denying the motion for a new trial. ‘Many of their evidentiary objections have been waived, and those that haven’t lack merit.’ Chief Judge Bissoon concluded her ruling by stating, ‘Some results are so clear and definitive that they cannot be “distorted.”‘

“We appreciate Judge Bissoon’s thoughtful opinion and careful consideration of the facts,” said, Jan Tinge, Executive Vice President of Vantage. “This ruling demonstrates, without a doubt, the value of our products to our customers and the importance of intellectual property protection. We are looking forward to continuing to serve our customers with high quality products and solutions.”

“Willful” Misappropriation of 11 Trade Secrets

The jury’s April verdict found that Bundy Baking Solutions had misappropriated 11 trade secrets, particularly Mallet’s product formulas, to establish its own release-agent business, Synova. The jury also awarded punitive damages based on the finding that the misappropriation was ‘willful and malicious,’ with $4.25 million in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages.

Mallet was represented at trial by Mayer Brown LLP and its attorneys Carmine R. Zarlenga, E. Brantley Webb, Catherine Medvene, Whitney Suflas, and Anna V. Durham.

The case is Mallet & Co v. Lacayo, et al. (Case No. 2:19-cv-01409, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania).

About Mallet and Company

Mallet was acquired by Vantage in 2016, laying the groundwork for what is now the Vantage Food business. Through complementary acquisitions of AMARNAKOTE® water-based release agents in 2018 and Spanish oils company TEXTRON PLIMON in 2019, Vantage Food has grown into an industry leader, providing exceptional customer service and a comprehensive range of solutions including release agents, functional ingredients, and equipment designed to meet the needs of commercial bakers and other food applications.

About Vantage Food: Better Performance Made Possible

As one of the leading players in the food industry, Vantage Food offers exceptional service to its customers through a comprehensive range of solutions including release agents, functional ingredients, and equipment designed to meet the needs of various food applications. Vantage Food is a dependable supplier dedicated to quality and innovation, delivering top-tier solutions that facilitate success for both large-scale operations and small businesses. Vantage Food is a division of Vantage Specialty Chemicals. Learn more at: or contact us for additional information.

About Vantage

Vantage offers natural solutions that support customers’ technical performance and marketing needs through a unique blend of chemistry, application expertise, and service. Supported by a diverse portfolio of formulations, ingredients, and actives built on a foundation of sustainable oils, fats, and their derivatives, Vantage targets specific markets and applications such as personal care, food, surface treatment, agriculture, pharma, and consumer and industrial performance. Vantage is headquartered in Deerfield, IL, operates in 11 countries globally, and employs over 1,000 skilled professionals focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences in every interaction. Learn more at.

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SOURCE Vantage Specialty Chemicals/Mallet and Company