Bombardier Sues Mitsubishi Over Trade Secrets Theft

Aircraft maker Bombardier Inc of Canada has sued Japan’s Mitsubishi Aircraft Corp over claims that its former employees who went to work the Japanese firm passed on documents containing trade secrets.

The suit filed in a federal court in Seattle last Friday, sought an injunction ordering Mitsubishi not to use "any proprietary Bombardier information misappropriated by any former Bombardier personnel" and to stop recruiting its employees to obtain such information, the Seattle Times said in a report Saturday.

Bombardier has also sought an unspecified amount in damages. Mitsubishi denied the charges claiming them to be ‘unfounded’ in comments made to the Japanese media today.

Mitsubishi Aircraft is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is currently developing the Mitsubishi Regional Jet, a long delayed project which was originally scheduled to fly in 2013.

Mitsubishi Aircraft has been recruiting veteran engineers who have worked for Western aerospace companies in a bid to iron out development issues and to start deliveries of the aircraft by 2022.

Mitsubishi Aircraft works closely with Bombardier on the Global 5000/6000 long-haul business jets and is responsible for the manufacturing of the main wing, center fuselage, and center wing.

Mitsubishi Aircraft Inc has faced financial difficulties over delays in the regional jet project.

In addition, Mitsubishi assembles the F-35 fighter in Japan and manufactures aircraft parts for Boeing and Airbus