Car Battery Maker Files Lawsuit Against Apple For Poaching Top Engineers

Electric-car battery maker A123 Systems has sued Apple for allegedly poaching top engineers to build a large-scale battery division, according to a court filing that could offer further evidence that Apple is developing a car.

Apple has been recruiting engineers with deep expertise in car systems, including from Tesla and is talking with industry experts and automakers with the ultimate aim of learning how to make its own electric car, according to numerous news reports last week.

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TheSteve - 2/19/2015 1:51:14 PM

+1 Boost

The whole idea about someone stealing (AKA poaching) employees from a company can be likened to the belief that the evil hot female neighbor can steal a woman's husband. People leave relationships, both personal and business, because they believe they will be happier elsewhere. The reality may may not match the belief.

Each individual decides for themselves whether they stay or go. It's not the alleged husband thief or the employee poacher who makes that decision for them.

Terry989 - 2/19/2015 3:24:58 PM

0 Boost

Depends. In high tech, most employees have to sign a confidentiality clause at termination that also contains a non poaching clause for 6-months. While certainly a gray area, if you change companies and then actively recruit your co-workers from the previous company, and employ them before your non poaching clause has ran it's course, you have clearly violated a signed agreement.

jeffy210 - 2/19/2015 8:58:38 PM

+2 Boost

Except in most states (including California) the non-compete/poaching clause is not enforceable.

MDarringer - 2/21/2015 8:23:44 PM

+2 Boost

Employees are free to move