By: Rita Wold

Columbia Sportswear has settled a trade-secrets lawsuit against Crocs, the Niwot-based maker of colorful shoes.

The lawsuit stemmed from an incident in which Crocs hired a Columbia employee as an independent contractor.

"Columbia alleged claims of misappropriation of trade secrets, intentional interference with contract, and aiding and abetting the employee's breach of his duty of loyalty to Columbia," according to the press release.

Crocs, in the release, expressed regret for hiring a Columbia employee and said it was pleased the dispute was resolved. "Crocs respects third-party trade secrets, intellectual property and employment-related obligations," the release stated.

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