Softscape Files Civil Lawsuit Against SuccessFactors

Suit is for Misappropriation of Trade Secrets, Interference with Contractual Relations, and Unfair Competition

WAYLAND, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Softscape, the global leader in integrated people management software, today filed a lawsuit in the Middlesex Superior Court in Massachusetts against SuccessFactors for misappropriation of trade secrets, tortious interference with contractual relations and unfair competition. The Complaint alleges that in an attempt to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the marketplace, and specifically against Softscape, SuccessFactors has maintained deceptive and unlawful conduct to acquire detailed proprietary information on Softscape’s software products.

Softscape has information showing SuccessFactors accessed Softscape’s confidential and secure computer systems from Internet address 12.186.64.97, an address that is registered to SuccessFactors.

The Complaint further alleges that SuccessFactors proactively recruited Softscape employees, specifically Systems Engineers, to obtain details on Softscape’s proprietary and confidential information. The lawsuit alleges that SuccessFactors used Softscape’s intellectual property in an effort to enhance its own competing product offering, SuccessFactors ULTRA.

Softscape has taken numerous measures to protect its proprietary information, and has previously sought legal and equitable relief to prevent any further harm to Softscape caused by SuccessFactors’ actions in the matter of Softscape v. SuccessFactors et al, Docket No. 05-2814 BLS2. http://www.softscape.com/doc/sf_2005-complaint.pdf

In addition, a deposition from the previous lawsuit reveals that SuccessFactors CEO Lars Dalgaard personally was involved in the hiring of both existing and former Softscape employees, including Systems Engineers, and also documented and disseminated Softscape information to other SuccessFactors officers in emails, Salesforce.com CRM, and PowerPoint slides.

Softscape’s Complaint filed today explains that SuccessFactors used Softscape’s intellectual property purposefully to further its own product offering and sales initiatives. Softscape’s action of filing the Complaint is an attempt to quell SuccessFactors' improper use of Softscape’s intellectual property.

Softscape is seeking a trial by jury for general and punitive damages. A copy of the full complaint and demand for trail by jury can be viewed at: http://www.softscape.com/doc/sf_2008-complaint.pdf

About Softscape (www.softscape.com)

Softscape is the global leader in integrated people management software that enables organizations to more effectively drive their business performance. Recognized by industry analysts as the most comprehensive strategic human capital management solution, Softscape provides complete employee lifecycle management, including a core system of record, in a single, integrated platform for improved business intelligence. The company offers customers of all sizes and in all industries the most flexibility and choice with multiple purchase, configuration, and deployment options. For more than a decade, Softscape has helped millions of workers across 156 countries be more successful at their jobs while contributing to bottom-line results. Softscape’s customers represent Fortune 500/Global 500, mid-market, and government organizations, including Barclays, AstraZeneca, Seagate, GKN, Edcon, LandAmerica, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Softscape is based in Massachusetts with offices in London, Sydney, New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Hartford, Washington, D.C., Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Johannesburg.

The Softscape logo and marks related to Softscape products are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Softscape, Inc. Other brand and product names contained herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.