Apple has reached a possible agreement with Mountain View startup Rivos, which it accused in 2022 of poaching its employees and stealing trade secrets. According to documents presented by Bloomberg and Reuters, the companies informed the US District Court for the Northern District of California that they have signed an agreement that “potentially resolves the matter.” The agreement would allow Apple to conduct an examination of Rivos’ systems and operations.
When iPhone maker sued Rivos, it accused the startup of conducting a “coordinated campaign” to recruit its employees from the integrated circuit design department. Apple also accused Rivos of encouraging hired employees to steal presentations and other confidential information related to chip projects for iPhones, costing billions of dollars.
Last year, Rivos countersued Apple, alleging that the larger company limited the ability to hire employees elsewhere and hindered the development of new startups through anti-competitive practices.
In April 2023, the court dismissed Apple’s allegations of trade secrets theft by Rivos, although Apple had the opportunity to file a new amended lawsuit. Apple had previously reached an agreement with six former employees who had filed a lawsuit against the iPhone maker along with Rivos, after they withdrew their mutual claims last month.
Both companies are now asking the court to suspend the case until March 15, when they expect to finalize the agreement.
Apple Reaches Agreement with Startup Rivos
The source of the article is from the blog kewauneecomet.com