Heartland RV and Cruiser RV, whose divisions have been integrated into Jayco’s operations, filed suit May 20 against former Cruiser RV General Manager John Jones.
The manufacturers claim Jones misappropriated confidential information after he was terminated in November. In addition, they say Jones contacted and/or attempted to solicit their customers at his new position as start-up Axiom RV’s vice president of sales.
Jones has not yet filed a response.
The case was filed in Elkhart County Commercial Court. A hearing on the case status is scheduled for 1 p.m. today.
The manufacturers say Jones is using their confidential information to engage in competition for his benefit and to the manufacturers’ detriment.
Jones signed a non-compete/non-disclosure agreement in 2019. The agreement, according to the court filing, said Jones is prohibited from disclosing confidential information, soliciting the manufacturers’ customers and otherwise competing with the manufacturers for one year after his separation.
The complaint charges Jones with transferring, downloading, emailing and/or otherwise taking confidential information after his termination.
“Jones’ actions were done willfully and maliciously,” the complaint said, “with the deliberate intent to injure HRV (Heartland RV) and CRV (Cruise RV) and with a conscious disregard of HRV and CRV’s rights and protections of their confidential information.”
The manufacturers are asking the court to restrain Jones’ use of confidential information and to return trade secrets to them. They seek disgorgement of Jones’ profits and further damages.
The court granted a 20-day discovery period for the manufacturers to review evidence from Jones, Axiom and Nexus RV, which is said to be supporting Axiom RV’s launch.
