Infy files counterclaim against Cognizant

Tussle Over Trade Secrets

- UMA KANNAN @ Bengaluru

IT services company Infosys has alleged that US-based Cognizant has acted with anticompetitive malice aimed at stifling competition from the company. In its 50-page counterclaim (viewed by TNIE) filed in the Northern District of Texas against Cognizant, the Bengaluru-based firm claimed Cognizant is fearful of legitimate competition from Infosys that it has resorted to "draconian measures to prevent that competition".

It accused Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar of misusing confidential information. "Cognizant has artificially raised entry barriers through its exclusionary NDAA (Non-Disclosure and Access Agreement) provisions and engaged in gross impropriety by using its power to encourage employee disloyalty at Infosys and obtain its competitively sensitive information," the lawsuit claimed.