TechCrunch Sues Fusion Garage Over CrunchPad/JooJoo

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 11, 2009 - 10:15am.

Palo Alto, Calif. - Technology blog TechCrunch has followed through on threats to sue Fusion Garage, its one-time partner in developing a tablet PC called the CrunchPad, and in a suit filed on Thursday alleges the company engaged in fraud and deceit, misappropriation of business ideals, breach of fiduciary duty, unfair competition and violations of the Lanham Act. The two companies' relationship went south in recent months, culminating in a post by TechCrunch founder Michael Arrington detailing the end of their business relationship.

According to Arrington, Fusion Garage told TechCrunch it was responsible for all of the technology behind the device, and was going to release it without its development partner.

Earlier this week, Fusion Garage held a video conference for reporters during which it unveiled the device, which it has renamed the JooJoo, and said it would start accepting pre-orders for the $499 tablet PC beginning today.

TechCrunch's lawsuit against Fusion Garage seeks damages, including all profits derived from sales of the JooJoo, and attorney's fees, among other claims.

"We took all the risk and did all the work. Michael Arrington sat back," Fusion Garage CEO Chandra Rathakrishnan told CNET.

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/tnj7e (TechCrunch)

http://snipurl.com/tnjax (DMW previous coverage)

http://www.fusiongarage.com

https://thejoojoo.com