HP sues defector for stealing trade data

Hewlett-Packard has opened up a new front in its war with software giant Oracle, suing a former executive for stealing trade secrets before he moved to a new job at its rival.

HP alleges that Adrian Jones, a senior vice president in its Asian operations, downloaded documents and emails onto a USB device, just days before quitting in February. In its lawsuit, it is demanding Mr Jones be prevented from using the information in his new job, return the data, and pay damages. The documents include valuable product and client information, HP says.

HP also claims it was about to fire Mr Jones for having an improper relationship with a subordinate and breaching corporate ethics codes by doubling her salary, and submitting bogus expenses. Last year, Oracle hired former HP boss Mark Hurd weeks after he was ousted in a sex and expenses scandal.