DETROIT (AP) — Tesla is suing a former employee at its Nevada battery factory alleging that he hacked into the manufacturing computers and disclosed confidential trade secrets.
The federal lawsuit filed Wednesday contends that Martin Tripp of Sparks, Nevada, also made false claims to the media about information he stole, including claims that the company used punctured battery cells in the Model 3 electric car.
The company also alleges that Tripp sent photographs and data to unspecified third parties including financial information and battery manufacturing details. Data was combined with false information given to the media, the lawsuit said.
A man who answered a call Wednesday at a number believed to be Tripp's said he did not know Tripp.
Tesla wants money damages and an order stopping Tripp from obtaining or disclosing information.