ST. LOUIS — Wolters Kluwer United States and CCH Incorporated are suing IRIS Software Group and IRIS Americas alleging misappropriation of highly confidential business information.
Nathan Brown was also named as a defendant in the suit.
The plaintiffs filed the legal action against Brown and IRIS to prevent the misappropriation of highly confidential business information, as Brown, a former vice president of firm management with the plaintiffs, had access to strategic plans, marketing details, pricing information and customer data, according to a complaint filed Nov. 20 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
Despite contractual obligations prohibiting disclosure to competitors, Brown concealed his move to IRIS, a direct competitor.
As part of a deliberate scheme, Brown secretly downloaded sensitive information, including strategic planning, marketing, pricing, and customer data, which he shared with IRIS, according to the suit.
Subsequently, IRIS launched competitive products coinciding with Brown's employment, such as "Outsourcing" and "Firm Management," the complaint alleges.
The plaintiffs claim efforts to resolve the dispute outside of litigation included cease and desist letters and requests for information, but IRIS refused to address Brown's alleged misconduct.
A forensic examination of Brown's computer revealed the misappropriation of confidential files, leading to the company's decision to file the lawsuit seeking injunctive relief and damages, according to the suit.
The plaintiffs claim despite IRIS's denials and attempts to change Brown's job title, the company contends that both Brown and IRIS violated contractual obligations, misappropriated trade secrets and engaged in tortious interference, causing immediate and irreparable harm.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for harm. They are represented by Peter A. Steinmeyer, David W. Garland and Sheila A. Woolson.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri case number: 4:23-cv-01478