Walmart hit with lawsuit alleging produce technology was stolen

8/2/2018
Walmart may not have the secret to keeping produce fresh, after all.

The discount giant was sued on Wednesday by Silicon Valley start-up Zest Labs, which is accusing Walmart of stealing its technology that reduces spoilage and prolongs the shelf life of produce, according to Reuters.

The $2 billion lawsuit claims that Walmart’s “Eden” technology “looks, sounds, and functions” like its own Zest Fresh technology. Zest claims it worked along-side the discounter “for years” to create the technology. Walmart ended the relationship in November after losing interest in the project, according to Reuters.

However, the discount giant launched the software in March, claiming it was developed internally following a hack-a-thon. Walmart has estimated a $2 billion of savings over five years from Eden, Reuters reported.

The lawsuit seeks to recover costs related to Walmart’s alleged theft of trade secrets, unfair competition, breach of contract and other wrongdoing, the report said.

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