Court upholds fireworks competition ruling for New Castle firm

By The Tribune-Review

Details: Zambelli Fireworks can keep one of its former premier choreographers from designing aerial firework displays for one of its competitors for another five weeks, but the New Castle company has to post a bond, a federal appeals court ruled last week.

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a district court ruling that granted Zambelli an injunction against Matthew Wood of Pompano Beach, Fla. The district court erred in not requiring Zambelli to post a bond that would cover Wood's economic losses if the court eventually rules in his favor, the appeals court ruled Friday.

Wood worked for Zambelli for seven years before taking a job with Pyrotecnico of New Castle in 2008, the ruling says. His contract with Zambelli included a two-year non-compete clause that expires Feb. 22.

The preliminary injunction originally covered Pyrotecnico as well, but the 3rd Circuit dropped the company from the ban. The injunction also bars Wood from contacting Zambelli's customers.

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