Rivian to Face Trial Over Tesla Tech Theft Claims, Judge Says

Rivian Automotive Inc. will likely be forced to go to trial over claims that it encouraged employees who defected from Tesla Inc. to steal electric-vehicle trade secrets.

A California state judge on Tuesday issued a tentative ruling denying Rivian’s request to dismiss the claims.

Tesla presented enough evidence to warrant a trial and “persuasively argues that Rivian could have conducted a more thorough investigation with respect to some of its employees,” Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Theodore C. Zayner wrote.

Both companies have been grappling with sales slumps amid a slowdown in demand for electric vehicles. Rivian has struggled ...