Canoo Alleges Former Execs of Stealing Trade Secrets, & Breach Agreements

Canoo accused former workers and management of stealing trade secrets, breaking business rules, and breaking contracts in order to found a competing electric vehicle company. In the Central District Court of the United States of America in California, Canoo filed a case. Canoo, an electric vehicle startup, claims that previous executives and staff joined the organisation with the explicit intent of stealing trade secrets and confidential information in order to launch a new EV company. According to reports, the case against rival Harbinger was filed in the United States Central District Court of California. The case file states that "a crew of serial thieves infiltrated Canoo to steal its intellectual property (including its confidential information and trade secrets) and human capital." [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image credit- Business Insider India[/caption] Canoo stated that their "skateboard," a flat platform under an EV that houses vital components including the battery and other pieces, had been stolen. This was purportedly utilised to create the business plan and establish alliances inside the sector. Several former executives from Canoo, Faraday Future, and QuantumScape make up the leadership of Harbinger. It consists of Vice President of Structures and Chassis Alexi Charbonneau, Chief Technology Officer Philip Weicker, Chief Operating Officer Will Eberts, and Chief Executive Officer John Harris. In Canoo's complaint, all of the executives mentioned were named. The document continued, "Weicker, Charbonneau, and Eberts conspired with Harris, who was employed elsewhere, to form Harbinger using Canoo's stolen intellectual property. They misappropriated substantial amounts of Canoo's financial resources, business plans, human capital, trade secrets, and other intellectual property." Also Read: Elon Musk charges Twitter with security breaches in court filing In recent months, a number of Canoo personnel made announcements about their intentions to join Harbinger. According to Car Scoops, at least 33 employees transferred to the new business after stealing its trade secrets, including their knowledge and training. This accounts for roughly 66% of Harbinger's whole staff. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image credit- Carscoops[/caption] The business, which was just established in Los Angeles last September, is aiming to capitalise on the growing demand for electric automobiles. Harbinger also unveiled a Class 4 through 7 segment, beginning this fall, medium-duty plan. According to a Harbinger representative, the business and its founders have always operated with the highest integrity. Since they never took any activities that might have given rise to a lawsuit or other problems for the company, the previous employer's charges against them were refuted. Nevertheless, the business is confident in its position and will continue to defend its employees against the "baseless" claims made by the opposite side. Canoo stated that the corporation has always taken intellectual property seriously since that time, which is why they are being so active in this matter.