As Apple tests the waters for its own electric car, it’s now facing a lawsuit from a company that makes EV batteries.
A123 Systems is accusing Apple of poaching engineers not just from its company, but from others as well, according to Business Insider.
The lawsuit says Apple nabbed top engineers from A123 and Tesla, and is trying to fast track an expansive battery division. Another clue Apple is serious about making its own electric car.
A123 says it all started in June of 2014, when project leaders were courted to lead similar projects at Apple. It says those project leaders are sharing trade secrets and even accused one employee of recruiting fellow workers. The company says those who did leave for Apple are in violation of their employment agreement.
Filed in Massachusetts, the lawsuit says A123 had to give up on projects headed up by the defecting employees because of their high ranking in the company.
The last several years have been rough for A123. One of the few companies that makes large lithium ion batteries, it was backed by a $249 million dollar government grant, but filed for bankruptcy in 2012 and has since been selling off its parts.
So far there's been no comment from either company about the legal action.
