Just as Fitbit, leader in the fitness band market, is suiting up for its $100 million IPO, rival Jawbone has hit it with a particularly juicy lawsuit, claiming that Fitbit was systematically poaching its employees, who brought confidential information along with them.
The complaint, filed in California Superior Court, claims that Fitbit contacted a third of Jawbone’s employees early this year, enticing them to come over. At least some did, and Jawbone says they brought confidential market information and plans along with them. (California does not put case files online, so no link to the complaint.)
Fitbit has filed its S-1, signaling its plan to go public; Jawbone is currently navigating rough waters.
Jawbone is asking for financial compensation and for the courts to keep Fitbit from using the allegedly stolen documents.