Opinion ID: 1760353
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Dismissal of the Remmels' claims of conversion, trade secrets, and unjust enrichment

Text: For their fourth point on appeal, the Remmels argue that the circuit court erred in dismissing their claims for conversion, violation of the Arkansas Trade Secrets Act, found at Ark.Code Ann. §§ 4-75-601 through 4-75-607, and unjust enrichment. Regions responds, arguing that these claims were submitted to the arbitrator in the amended claim and are barred by res judicata. Keeping our precedent in mind, we turn to these claims raised by the Remmels. On September 12, 2005, the arbitrator denied the claims of conversion, violation of the Arkansas Trade Secrets Act, and unjust enrichment in the interim arbitration award. In fact, the arbitrator noted in his interim-award order that the claims of conversion and trade-secrets violations were withdrawn at the hearing. Additionally, in an order dated September 18, 2003, the circuit court dismissed the Remmels' claims for conversion, unjust enrichment, and trade secrets. The September 18, 2003, order was not appealed. For the reasons expressed under the Remmels' third point on appeal, these claims were fully adjudicated before an arbitrator and were ruled upon in the interim award. Thus, we hold that the circuit court properly dismissed these claims on the basis of res judicata.