Apple and electric battery maker A123 Systems are nearing settlement of a legal tiff that saw the latter accusing the former of poaching its staff to set up a battery unit for its electric car venture.
While final details are being worked out, an agreement has been reached to put the matter to end, according to court papers revealed by the battery maker.
However, the terms of the settlement are yet to be disclosed as none of the parties have issued any statements. While lawyers for technology major Apple were not available for response, their counterparts chose not to comment.
In a lawsuit filed in Massachusetts federal court in February, A123 accused Apple of poaching its employees engaged in critical projects in June last year.
The lawsuit by A123 read: "It appears that Apple, with the assistance of defendant Ijaz, is systematically hiring away A123's high-tech PhD and engineering employees, thereby effectively shutting down various projects/programs at A123."
Apple had brushed aside such allegations leveled by the industrial lithium-ion battery maker, whose products are used in electric cars.
The employees, whom the Apple had allegedly poached, were bound by non-disclosure agreement entered with A123 which barred them from serving competitors for one year after leaving. Moreover, the battery maker also charged one of its employees with aiding and abetting such a bid.
A123 Systems, which was aided by a $249m U.S. government grant, filed for bankruptcy in 2012. It has been selling off its assets.
