Battle Electric: Tesla Sues Fisker Over Alleged Trade Secret Misappropriation

Written By: Seyth Miersma

Filed Under: All News, Alternative Propulsion, Design, Electric, Government/Legal, Hybrids April 16th, 2008 10:00 AM

Electric sports car builder Tesla Motors is suing designer Henrik Fisker (pictured) and Bernhard Koehler of Fisker Coachbuild, for fraud, misappropriation of trade secrets, and breach of contract.

Tesla hired Fisker, who had worked for the likes of BMW and Aston Martin, during 2007 to work on the interior and body styling of its upcoming electric sedan called WhiteStar. The company is making the claim that despite paying Fisker almost $800,000 for the work, the designer purposely held back his best efforts, and helped to push back the launch date of the WhiteStar by six-months to 2010.

(Have a look at the offending piece of evidence, the Fisker Karma, in our gallery below or click through the jump to read on.)

Worse still, Tesla believes that Fisker used trade secrets and proprietary engineering data for the purposes of his own company’s project the four-door hybrid-electric Fisker Karma sedan. Fisker and partner Koehler announced that they were forming Fisker Automotive to build the Karma shortly after the designer had rendered his services to Tesla.

Tesla attorney Adam Belsky called Fisker’s alleged actions “outrageous,” saying on Tuesday, “Clearly now in retrospect, Fisker had a strong motivation not to provide his best work for them.”

+ Automotive News: Tesla sues Fisker over competing green car (subscription required)

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11 Comments

chartguy April 16th, 2008 10:59 AM Link

Electric cars are a flurry of hype followed by a cloud of excuses.

imoore April 16th, 2008 12:55 PM Link

This Tesla vs. Fisker lawsuit is nothing but a bunch of foolishness. Both cars are way too overpriced, Fisker’s Karma is a nightmare, and we still don’t know what the White Star looks like. Why don’t they do something as simple and affordable like the Chevrolet Volt or Think Ox, and leave this fairytale dream alone?

Fred April 16th, 2008 12:59 PM Link

Karma’s a btch.

imoore April 16th, 2008 1:01 PM Link

Just curious. Does anyone have a picture or drawing of the Tesla White Star available? I want to see what Tesla is so upset and embarrased about, or if they are just blowing smoke. If they are afraid to show it (because I don’t think there is any design in existance), then Tesla’s claim is just one big joke-just like the Roadster. Seriously, the Hyundai Tiburon looks better than that, and its more affordable. Come on Tesla, show us the car or just shut up.

Mena April 16th, 2008 3:38 PM Link

I’m still waiting on that 0-60 mph in 4 seconds performance claimed by Tesla for the Roadster. Seriously, needs to focus their efforts and money on that 2 speed tranny not lawsuits.

Ducati Minor April 16th, 2008 6:49 PM Link

I’ll side with Fisker. I like the designs.

Tony D April 17th, 2008 12:05 AM Link

I’m with Duc, Fisker has the sweet designs. But really, my money will go to whoever actually delivers a real world production model that lives up to the hype.

Trinks April 17th, 2008 12:58 AM Link

I didn’t know you could sue for “not trying hard enough”!

Scott April 17th, 2008 1:23 AM Link

Save the planet. Drive a car that is indirectly powered by fossil fuels instead of directly….

Rex April 17th, 2008 9:10 PM Link

I didn’t know you could sue for “not trying hard enough”!
by Trinks

Yes! Since Fisker half-assed the project. He hadn’t came out with an announcement of his own electric sedan until after he had worked with Tesla.

Winding Road » Archive » Ultra Modern Muscle: All-Electric Shelby Cobra and Mustang to Debut this Weekend April 18th, 2008 1:00 PM Link

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