Palantir is trying to 'destroy' Percepta through legal action, startup's execs say in filing (www.cnbc.com)

Percepta AI executives are pushing back against a lawsuit filed by Palantir, which accuses the startup of stealing trade secrets and attempting to poach employees. The lawsuit, initiated in October 2022, claims that co-founders Hirsh and Radha Jain used confidential information from Palantir to establish Percepta as a "copycat" business. Percepta's legal team argues that Palantir's actions are intended to intimidate employees and hinder the startup's growth, calling the accusations a tactic to "stifle competition." They assert that the post-employment agreements cited by Palantir are overly broad and unenforceable. This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions in the AI/ML sector, as established companies like Palantir seek to protect their intellectual property against emerging startups. The case raises important questions about the enforceability of non-compete clauses and the balance between protecting proprietary information and encouraging innovation. Percepta’s defense contends that thorough searches have revealed no evidence of Palantir materials, suggesting that the information Palantir seeks to protect may be outdated and irrelevant. As the outcome of this lawsuit unfolds, it could set significant precedents for employee mobility and competition within the technology landscape.