Waymo Demands $2.6 Billion From Uber For One Allegedly Stolen Trade Secret
In a telephone exchange, Judge William Allsp allowed Uber’s lawyer to reveal that Waymo is seeking $2.6 billion from Uber for the highest value of a series of stolen trade secrets. There are currently nine trade secrets that appear to have been compromised by Anthony Levandowski. Waymo’s lawyers, who have spent some time considering whether to try to keep that number confidential, stressed that the number is based on Waymo and Uber documents that were provided as confidential documents to the trial lawyers. All we know is that Waymo is asking for a maximum of $2.6 billion. There is currently no direct information as to whether these stolen trade secrets were actually used by Uber. Judge Allsp criticized Waymo’s lawyers for failing to reduce their case to accommodate the court’s reasonable schedules. Much of today’s discussion was devoted to whether Waymo should be allowed to reasonably pursue a motion for a stay of execution in court. The additional time will give Waymo time to review new evidence. Waymo lawyers pointed to 64,000 photos that Levandowski took of the unique information.
The photos or screenshots may have been a way for Levandowski to preserve ownership of Waymo’s trade secrets while deleting the original files. Uber’s lawyers believe Waymo is simply stalling to replace or even add new trade secrets to the trial. Judge Allsop was alert to the motives of both sides and urged both legal teams to make their case more forcefully for whether the trial should be postponed. The trial is currently scheduled to begin on October 10 and last for three weeks. Waymo’s lawyers have proposed a new trial date of December 5, which could be completed in two weeks. Judge Allsop is expected to announce his decision on the trial date on October 3. He urged both parties to prepare for the trial, which is not scheduled to be postponed.
