A Delaware jury has ordered Hewlett-Packard Co. to pay $6.5 million in damages to a corporate security company for misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and defamation. The jury returned the verdict last week after a Delaware Superior Court trial before Judge Mary M. Johnston.
Professional Investigating & Consulting Agency Inc., a Columbus, Ohio, company focusing on brand protection, loss prevention, risk management and corporate security, filed a February 2013 lawsuit against technology giant HP. The lawsuit alleged HP contracted with PICA, used its trade secrets, ruined the company’s reputation and ultimately terminated its relationship with the security business.
