Akamai and Speedera start trade secrets and libel battle

Akamai filed an application to immediately stop Speedera from further accessing or using Akamai’s trade secrets that Speedera has allegedly stolen from a database maintained by a third party provider of web site testing services.

Both companies use the same web site performance measurement company, Keynote. Akamai claims that Speedera gained access to confidential data by hacking the web site, and then used it to identify and pursue Akamai’s potential customers.

According to The New York Times, FBI agents searched Speedera’s corporate offices and seized computers and data. According to media reports, the raid was related to Akamai’s legal action.

A spokesman for Akamai refused to give details on damages that the company may have suffered, but said that it intends to use “every resource to address this wrongful conduct and to protect Akamai’s business and customer relationships.”

Speedera confirmed the FBI raid and sued Akamai for alleged unfair competition, false advertising and trade libel.

The company alleges that Akamai has made false statements about the financial condition and content delivery service performance of Speedera. It also denies hacking and claims that whatever information it allegedly obtained from Keynote is not protected or confidential.

A spokesman for Speedera said yesterday:

“Over the past several months we have received numerous reports from customers, prospects and others that Akamai was making false statements... in an apparent attempt to influence our investors and our customers.”

Earlier this year Akamai sued Speedera for alleged patent infringement and for false advertising.