Huntley, Ill. — Medical device manufacturer Life Spine has filed a lawsuit against its former CEO, Michael Butler, alleging financial misconduct, misappropriation of trade secrets, and interference with company operations. The lawsuit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, claims Butler used company funds for personal expenses and disrupted critical business relationships after his departure.
According to the complaint, Butler allegedly funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars through a fake importer entity he controlled, paid for luxury items and vacations using company resources, and continued to hold on to sensitive intellectual property following his termination. Life Spine also accuses Butler of attempting to derail strategic business deals by sharing confidential information and interfering with overseas manufacturing partnerships.
“Life Spine takes seriously its duty to protect its employees, partners, and customers from any misconduct that threatens our operations,” the company said in a statement.
The legal case, listed under docket number 2025 CH 06287, is being heard in the Chancery Division of the Cook County Circuit Court. Life Spine is represented by attorneys Michael T. Layden, David Jorgensen, and Jon Spanbauer of Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres LLC.
The allegations come as Life Spine continues to position itself as an innovator in spinal surgery technologies, a sector where intellectual property and supply chain integrity are considered critical to success.
