Honeywell Sues Chemours Over Top Researcher Who Defected (1)

Honeywell International Inc. sued Chemours Co. in Delaware over the defection of a top researcher, seeking to block its competitor from employing the scientist, whose knowledge of Honeywell’s “most sensitive” trade secrets allegedly “makes him uniquely able” to undermine his former company.

Refrigerants expert Gustavo Pottker “helped create and execute much of Honeywell’s strategic decision-making in this business,” the complaint says. “He will be able to use his vast knowledge of Honeywell’s strategy, products, and future plans to unfairly help Chemours, and hurt Honeywell.”

The partly redacted lawsuit, made public Dec. 18 in Delaware Chancery Court, also targets Pottker, who ...