Former HP Printing Vice President Indicted For Sharing Confidential IBM Data

July 2, 2008 3:01 p.m. EST

San Jose, CA (AHN) - A former HP printing vice president was indicted for disclosing confidential information he obtained while working at rival IBM. The federal indictment, handed down Friday, alleged Atul Malhotra passed IBM pricing data to HP.

Allegedly, Malhotra in Mar. 2006 asked for IBM pricing data while working as a printer sales director for the computer company. Four months later,after joining HP, Malhotra gave the e-mail to a senior vice president.

Soon after, HP fired Malhotra, saying the man was "in direct violation of clear HP policies,including HP Standards and Business conduct." In a statement, HP said it has been cooperating with government investigators.