Apple Sues Former Executive Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft

Baasma Wafa, JadeTimes Staff 

B. Wafa is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology

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Image Source: Gabby Jones

Apple Has Sued One of Its Former High-ranking Executives, alleging He Stole Confidential Information to Help A Rival Startup.

The technology giant said the former employee, who had headed its hardware engineering unit, stole "thousands of sensitive documents" before departing the company earlier this year. Apple contends he is using that proprietary information to develop competing products at a new Silicon Valley company.

"Their actions are an obvious breach of trust in him and jeopardize our ability to continue innovating and delivering leading-edge products to our customers," Apple stated Thursday in a prepared statement. "We are promptly taking legal action to defend our intellectual property."

The Suit, which was filed in California's Superior

Court, alleges that the onetime executive committed breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, and unfair competition. Apple is asking for an injunction to stop any further exploitation of its proprietary technologies, as well as damages, which are not specified.

The executive in question has released a denial. In a statement made through his attorney, he stated, "I have always conducted myself with integrity and respect for my former employer. The claims are unfounded, and I look forward to clearing my name."

This court fight comes as the tech sector experiences heightened competition, as startups and established companies vie to produce the next wave of consumer electronics.

Experts comment that the case points to increasing fears about the transfer of talent between competing firms, particularly in highly secretive areas such as hardware innovation and AI.

The court has scheduled a preliminary hearing later this month. Both sides are likely to bring additional evidence, and legal observers forecast a long courtroom battle.

"This is just the start," said one lawyer familiar with the case. "With what's at stake, no one is going to give in easily."

Apple, led by Tim Cook, is suing a stealthy Mountain View startup led by one of its former top hardware engineers over allegedly stolen trade secrets.