Apple's new iPod/iPhone czar Papermaster must stop work, says judge

Stephen Withers
Monday, 10 November 2008 04:40

IT People - People

He also asserts that his work at Apple would not involve the use of any IBM confidential information he may have learned, and that he has signed an agreement with Apple that forbids him to disclose or bring onto Apple property any such information.

Papermaster claims that if he was forced to leave the electronics industry for a year as required by IBM's apparent interpretation of the non-compete agreement, he would "suffer severe hardship".

"I do not believe I will be able to find a comparable poistion in a year (if ever), especially given the downward trajectory of the economy," he submitted.

"I have little change of obtaining meaningful employment if IBM's broad interpretation of the restrictive covenant is accepted."

Even though Papermaster worked for IBM since he graduated in 1982 until October 2008, his filing concludes "Given the events that have transpired, I cannot imagine returning to a job at IBM."

According to an Apple spokesperson quoted by Reuters, Papermaster will cease work: "We will comply with the court's order but are confident that Mark Papermaster will be able to ultimately join Apple when the dust settles."

The next hearing is set for November 18.