As a youth, Robert Lane was obsessed with the Ford Company. He read as much about Ford as possible, even idolizing Henry Ford. His passion for Ford vehicles led to the development of his two personal websites dedicated to the company.
In 1999, Lane came upon a set of confidential photographs, blueprints, and other internal documents about the Ford company, as well information about the development of new Ford vehicles. He threatened to publish the information and eventually did.
Ford was very angry and took Lane to court. They alleged that he had violated Michigan's Uniform Trade Secrets Act. The Act then authorized the issuance of an injunction which wanted "disclosure ... of a trade secret of another..."However, this type of action violated the First Amendment right of prior restraint laws of Michigan. As a result, Lane was allowed to post the information.
Sources:
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ford+Motor+Company+v.+Lane%3A+the+First+Amendment+takes+a+virtual+ride...-a0209043596
http://www.internetlibrary.com/cases/lib_case141.cfm
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