HP slaps Oracle in the face with Hurd lawsuit

HP and Oracle have become locked in battle over Oracle’s recent appointment of ex-HP Chief Executive Mark Hurd as Co-President.

Following the resignation of ex-HP Chief Executive Mark Hurd (pictured) after an investigation into a sexual harassment claim found inaccurate expense reports, Oracle recently confirmed Hurd as its new Co-President.

In response HP filed a civil complaint in the California Superior Court, saying, “Mark Hurd agreed to and signed agreements designed to protect HP's trade secrets and confidential information.  HP intends to enforce those agreements.”

The complaint added, “Despite being paid millions of dollars in cash, stock and stock options in exchange for Hurd’s agreements to protect HP’s trade secrets and confidential information during his employment and following his departure from his positions at HP as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and President, HP is informed and believes and thereon alleges that Hurd has put HP’s most valuable trade secrets and confidential information in peril.”

Oracle has since replied to HP’s action calling it vindictive.

A company statement from Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, said, “Oracle has long viewed HP as an important partner. By filing this vindictive lawsuit against Oracle and Mark Hurd, the HP board is acting with utter disregard for that partnership, our joint customers, and their own shareholders and employees. The HP Board is making it virtually impossible for Oracle and HP to continue to cooperate and work together in the IT marketplace."