HP sues Hurd over Oracle move

According to the complaint filed in California Superior Court (Santa Clara County), as part of his severance package, Hurd agreed to protect HP’s trade secrets and confidential business practices in exchange for “millions of dollars in cash, stock and stock options.” Hurd’s total severance package from HP could reportedly top $40 million.
HP said Hurd could not work for Oracle without disclosing those secrets.

“In his new positions, Hurd will be in a situation in which he cannot perform his duties for Oracle without necessarily using and disclosing HP’s trade secrets and confidential information to others,” the complaint states.

Oracle recently purchased the hardware maker Sun Microsystems, putting it in direct competition with HP in the market for servers and integrated information technology services. Oracle did not immediately respond to a request for comment.