Orange Charger Inc., a leader in the electric vehicle charging industry, has filed a lawsuit against a former employee and his new employer for allegedly stealing confidential information. The complaint was filed by Orange Charger Inc. on December 12, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Joseph Nagle and Pando Electric Inc.
The lawsuit stems from allegations that Joseph Nagle, who was previously employed as part of Orange Charger's marketing division, unlawfully accessed and downloaded confidential information after his termination. According to the complaint, Nagle was terminated on December 15, 2023, due to poor performance and subsequently signed a separation agreement on January 18, 2024. This agreement required him to return all company information and maintain confidentiality regarding any knowledge acquired during his employment.
However, Orange Charger claims that Nagle breached this agreement by accessing their computer systems and downloading sensitive data such as client lists. This breach allegedly occurred after he began working for Pando Electric Inc., a direct competitor of Orange Charger. The company discovered this when a customer presented them with a sales presentation from Pando that contained slides identical to those used by Orange Charger.
Orange Charger accuses both Nagle and Pando Electric of misappropriating trade secrets under California's Uniform Trade Secrets Act (CUTSA). They allege that Pando Electric is using the stolen information for competitive advantage and financial gain. "These misappropriations can only be for the purpose of Pando gaining an unfair advantage," states the complaint.
The plaintiff is seeking several forms of relief from the court. They request an injunction to prevent further use or disclosure of their trade secrets by the defendants. Additionally, they seek actual and consequential damages, restitution for unjust enrichment obtained by the defendants through these actions, reasonable royalties, punitive damages including doubled damages under Cal. Civ. Code Section 3426, as well as attorneys' fees and investigative costs incurred due to these incidents.
Representing Orange Charger in this legal battle is attorney Rob Buccieri from VLP Law Group LLP. The case is presided over by Judge Marivic Viray under Case ID CGC-24-620536.