Maindec sues over data misuse

Maindec has been forced to issue legal proceedings against three individuals and one of its competitors after accusing them of stealing confidential business information.

The Buckinghamshire reseller is suing for damages after a former employee was alleged to have downloaded the company's quotes for its clients for the past 18 months and passed them on without Maindec's knowledge. It was alleged that this information, consisting of 800 files, was emailed to a sales consultant who then passed the information to the competitor.

According to the writ: 'The three individuals and the partnership stole the information and in breach of confidence ... used it.'

Maindec 'is seeking an order restraining them from using, copying, disclosing, selling or dealing with the information'. It is also looking 'for the return of the information and all copies, damages and an inquiry into the use of the information and account of all profits and an order for payment of all sums due'.

According to a representative for Maindec, the competitor has moved quickly to settle the the dispute by agreeing not to use the information further.

However, a source close to the investigation said: 'The competitor was unwittingly involved. It was used as an email dump and was unaware of the implications.'

The Maindec representative insisted that a settlement was expected to be agreed with the other parties by the end of January.