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Austin Jury Awards ES3 Minerals Over $49 Million in Trade Secret Lawsuit
Verdict finds former executives misappropriated proprietary systems to launch competing mineral brokerage
Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:51am
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A Texas jury has unanimously found that former senior executives of ES3 Minerals, an Austin-based mineral acquisition company, misappropriated the company's proprietary trade secrets to launch a competing mineral brokerage firm. The jury awarded ES3 Minerals over $49 million in damages, including $40 million for the value of the stolen trade secrets and an additional $9 million in punitive damages.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of protecting valuable intellectual property and trade secrets, especially in highly competitive industries like the energy sector. The verdict sends a strong message that Texas courts will hold former employees accountable for misusing confidential business information to launch rival companies.
The details
The case, ES3 Minerals, LLC v. Kreines, Ryan, LMP, et al., was tried in the Texas Business Court in Austin. The jury found that former ES3 executives Nicholas Kreines, David Ryan, and Jettie Rangel (Jennings) had breached their fiduciary duties, interfered with ES3 employee agreements, and engaged in fraudulent transfers to conceal their actions. The jury determined that the defendants' misappropriation of ES3's proprietary mineral-acquisition systems and business operations was willful and malicious.
- The two-week trial took place from February 24 to March 9, 2026.
- The jury reached a unanimous verdict on March 13, 2026.
The players
ES3 Minerals, LLC
An Austin-based mineral acquisition and advisory company that focuses on helping mineral owners maximize the value of their mineral rights.
Trey Stanton
The founder of ES3 Minerals, who built the company's proprietary systems and business methods that were at the center of the trade secret dispute.
Nicholas "Nick" Kreines, David Ryan, and Jettie Rangel (Jennings)
Former senior employees of ES3 Minerals who were found liable for misappropriating the company's trade secrets to launch a competing mineral brokerage firm, Liberty Mineral Partners.
Liberty Mineral Partners (LMP)
The competing mineral rights brokerage firm launched by the former ES3 Minerals executives.
Michael Marin
The lead trial counsel for ES3 Minerals in the case.
What they’re saying
“At its core, this case was about protecting the systems, technology and business we've built at ES3.”
— Trey Stanton, Founder, ES3 Minerals
“This verdict sends a clear message that Texas courts and Texas juries will hold employees accountable when they misappropriate their employer's most valuable assets.”
— Michael Marin, Lead Trial Counsel, ES3 Minerals
What’s next
The case will now move into the post-trial phase, during which the court will enter a final judgment and consider additional remedies, including potential injunctive relief.
The takeaway
This case underscores the importance of protecting trade secrets and proprietary business systems, especially in highly competitive industries. The substantial damages awarded to ES3 Minerals demonstrate that Texas courts will firmly hold former employees accountable for misusing confidential information to launch rival companies.
