AMERICAN FORK – Two of the largest essential oil companies based in Utah are embroiled in a years-long lawsuit, which may now finally go to trial.

Former and current executives of Young Living Essential Oils are suing its competitor, doTERRA, on claims of violating contracts and confidentiality agreements between the two companies. Several Young Living employees who went over to doTERRA are accused of retaining Young Living property, including computers and documents, which may have included confidential company information.

Originally, the lawsuit included claims by Young Living that doTERRA had stolen trade secrets and even poached from Young Living’s independent distributors. Those claims were dismissed by Fourth District Court Judge Christine Johnson late last year based on claims being filed too late.

“It’s unfortunate that so much time, energy, and money on both sides have been spent on something that never should have been taking up time in our courts,” said David Stirling, doTERRA president.

Friday, Johnson ordered a trial date for the contract violation matters to be resolved. The trial has been scheduled for March 2016.

“Given the extraordinary effort which has been invested into these proceedings thus far, the notion that this particular claim should proceed forward so that Young Living can request one dollar in damages is troubling,” Johnson wrote in court documents.

Johnson acknowledged that while the claims made by Young Living may be minute, there are indisputable conclusions made that show that doTERRA contacted some Young Living distributors to breach contracts and communicate secretly with its competitor.

Another round of oral arguments is scheduled for Aug. 14.