Activision Sues Netflix Over Hiring of Former CFO Neumann

(Bloomberg) -- Video game publisher Activision Blizzard Inc. sued Netflix Inc., claiming the video-streaming service engaged in a yearslong campaign of unlawfully poaching executives, including by hiring its former Chief Financial Officer Spencer Neumann.

Activision claims Netflix interfered with Neumann’s contract by offering to pay him in advance to cover his legal fees. Activision sued for intentional interference, unfair competition and aiding and abetting.

“Netflix unapologetically recruits talent without regard to its ethical and legal obligations,” Activision said in the complaint filed Friday in state court in Los Angeles.

The game publisher seeks a permanent injunction to stop Netflix from soliciting Activision employees and unspecified compensatory and punitive damages to be determined by a jury at trial.

Netflix declined to comment on the lawsuit. Activision also declined to comment.

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