Informix Sues Over Trade Secrets

Informix Corp. sued Oracle Corp., the largest database software maker, claiming its rival tried to steal trade secrets when it hired 11 employees from Informix’s product development center in Portland, Ore. The suit was filed in the Circuit Court of Multnomah County in Portland. Menlo Park, Calif.-based Informix said Oracle’s actions reveal the smaller company’s technological edge. Oracle executives couldn’t immediately be reached for comment. Informix said the court granted it a temporary injunction reaffirming that its former workers cannot divulge trade secrets or attempt to recruit other Informix employees. A court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 7. In Nasdaq trading, Informix shares fell $1.50 to close at $21.375, and Redwood City, Calif.-based Oracle stock fell 87.5 cents to close at $1 to $39.625.