Several of the CNET reporters that were victims of HP’s fraudulent pretexting methods of investigation last year (I talk about this here, here, here and here, among other posts) have sued the computer company, trying for an injunction (ie. legally mandated don’t-ever-do-it-again order) and punitive damages, that is, lots of money.
According to Pamela Jones, of Groklaw, on her article The HP Litigation Begins - CNET Reporters File Suit, the reporters were offered an apology and money by HP to make the suit go away, but the reporters refused to accept it, according to Ryan Donovan, a spokesman for HP:
“As we have said since last fall, HP regrets these events, and we have
apologized individually to those who were affected,” said Ryan Donovan,
an HP spokesman. “In an attempt to resolve this matter short of
litigation, HP made a substantial settlement offer to the reporters,
their family members and a charity of their choice. Unfortunately,
rather than respond to the offer, they have decided to sue. HP is
disappointed by their decision and will defend itself.”
Disappointed by their decision? Will defend itself? Come on! They commit an illegal act and are disappointed that the victims of said illegal act are suing instead of taking money on the side? And that “defend itself” sounds like “and we are gonna do everything in our power to crush their lives” to me…so…now if a victim asks for redress of a crime committed by a corporate entity, said victim has to also live afraid of what the company plans to do to him/her, besides the already committed criminal act?
That’s life in the corporate universe called the United States, I guess.
Tags: cnet, groklaw, hewlett packard, hp, hp litigation, Legal, pretexting
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