An ex-employee of an estate agency stealing data to set up a competing business

We helped an estate agent who suspected that an ex-employee had set up in competition, and was poaching business with the use of a copy of its entire database.

We secured extensive forensic evidence of data theft, which enabled the client to secure a High Court Order permitting the seizure and interrogation of computer equipment as well as a restraining injunction to prevent any further breaches.

The order was granted and after visiting the ex-employees premises evidence was found that a vast amount of data was stolen. The case settled for damages of £50,000, costs and a two year restriction against any dealings with some 400 clients of the agents.