Starwood and Hilton Possibly Settling Denizen Espionage Case
The landmark public criminal and civil corporate espionage case filed by Starwood Hotels and Resorts against Hilton Worldwide has been reported to be under settlement discussions. Hilton had been accused of pilfering intellectual property used for the development of Starwood's W brand for its new Denizen brand which has subsequently been deferred.
Two senior former Starwood executives had been hired over by Hilton who are alleged to have carried out what is now a high profile case of intrigue, and spy games. According to court documents on public record a clear paper trail of paperwork, email and proprietary information were taken and used to fast tract the Denizen brand. It remains to be seen as to the outcome if the brand will ever even see the light of day.