Deel Raises the Stakes in Legal Dispute with Rippling: Calls for Unredacted Evidence
The ongoing legal showdown between HR tech giants Deel and Rippling has taken an intriguing turn. Deel recently filed a motion in an Irish court, requesting that Rippling disclose unredacted versions of key documents, including witness affidavits that could shed new light on the case.
One of the most sensational elements involves an affidavit from Keith O’Brien, a former Rippling employee. In a surprising revelation, O’Brien admitted in court that he was working as a spy for Deel, according to the affidavit released by Rippling. This admission has added a dramatic twist to an already complex legal saga.
Rippling initially sued Deel in March, accusing the company of misappropriating trade secrets, engaging in tortious interference, and unfair competition—charges largely fueled by the spying allegations. In response, Deel countersued, challenging Rippling’s lawsuit on jurisdictional grounds while also alleging that Rippling attempted to spy on Deel in return.
Deel’s recent motion highlights an affidavit from Vanessa Wu, Rippling’s former general counsel. Wu’s testimony detailed her recollections of alleged espionage activities and the communications between the two companies’ legal teams. Notably, Wu testified that Rippling fired O’Brien but later rehired him, paying a termination fee in exchange for his agreement not to sue. She also stated that Rippling entered into a second agreement with O’Brien, covering his legal and out-of-pocket expenses related to his cooperation.
Deel is now requesting the court to order Rippling to produce full, unredacted copies of both agreements. The company argues that it’s highly unusual for an employee fired for cause to be reinstated and paid as a witness in such a manner, raising questions about transparency and motives.
As both sides continue to vehemently defend their actions and accuse each other, the legal battle remains intense. The court’s decision could potentially reveal more about the true nature of the allegations, especially if more of O’Brien’s testimony and the termination agreements become publicly accessible.
Stay tuned—if the court grants Deel’s request, the industry and observers will be closely watching for further revelations in this high-stakes rivalry.
