Close Menu
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram X (Twitter)
    • Home
    • Leadership Alliance
    • Exclusives
    • Internet Governance
      • Regulation
      • Governance Bodies
      • Emerging Tech
    • IT Infrastructure
      • Networking
      • Cloud
      • Data Centres
    • Company Stories
      • Profiles
      • Startups
      • Tech Titans
      • Partner Content
    • Others
      • Fintech
        • Blockchain
        • Payments
        • Regulation
      • Tech Trends
        • AI
        • AR/VR
        • IoT
      • Video / Podcast
    Blue Tech Wave Media
    Home » Appeals court overturns Appian’s $2B verdict against Pegasystems
    Pega
    Pega
    Governance Bodies

    Appeals court overturns Appian’s $2B verdict against Pegasystems

    By Miurio HuangJuly 31, 2024No Comments3 Mins Read
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
    • The Virginia Court of Appeals has overturned a landmark $2 billion jury verdict that was awarded to Appian Corporation against Pegasystems.
    • The overturning of this massive verdict has significant implications for the legal landscape surrounding trade secrets and intellectual property.

    OUR TAKE
    It like the huge drama that virginia Court of Appeals overturning the massive $2 billion jury verdict awarded to Appian Corporation against Pegasystems. It seems that in legal battles over corporate espionage, the truth is often more complicated than we think. Appian accused Pegasystems of conducting a “Project Crush” with a spy stealing technology, sounding like a Hollywood blockbuster. But now, there’s a plot twist – procedural errors during the trial have led to a new trial, wiping out the original verdict. Competition is one thing, but justice must prevail. Let’s wait and see how this one unfolds.
    –Miurio huang, BTW reporter

    What happened

    The Virginia Court of Appeals has overturned a landmark $2 billion jury verdict that was awarded to Appian Corporation against Pegasystems. This decision nullifies what was previously the largest damages award in Virginia’s court history. The case began in 2020 when Appian, a software company based in McLean, Virginia, accused Pegasystems of hiring a contractor to steal confidential information from its software platform. Appian claimed that Pegasystems used this stolen data to enhance its products and train its sales force, referring to the operation as “Project Crush” and the contractor as a “spy.”

    In 2022, a Fairfax County jury found Pegasystems guilty of “willful and malicious” misappropriation of trade secrets, resulting in a nearly $2.04 billion damages award. Pegasystems contested the verdict, arguing that it stemmed from multiple procedural errors during the trial. Following the appeal, Judge Frank Friedman agreed that these errors warranted a new trial, leading to the overturning of the original verdict.

    Also read: Trump advocates cryptocurrency, targeting China and regulation

    Also read: ‘EU AI Act’ takes effect in August: A landmark regulation for AI

    Why it’s important

    The overturning of this massive verdict has significant implications for the legal landscape surrounding trade secrets and intellectual property. Firstly, it challenges the precedent set by the original $2 billion award, which was the largest of its kind in Virginia’s legal history. This reversal may influence how future cases involving trade secret theft are adjudicated, especially regarding the handling of evidence and jury instructions.

    Additionally, the case highlights the complexities involved in litigation related to intellectual property and competitive practices. For Pegasystems, the decision is a crucial victory, potentially saving the company from a financially crippling judgment. For Appian, the ruling represents a setback in their quest for what they view as justice for alleged trade secret theft.

    The ongoing legal battle underscores the importance of precise legal procedures and the need for clear evidence in trade secret disputes. As Appian plans to appeal the decision, the case will continue to be a focal point for discussions on intellectual property law and competitive business practices.

    Pegasystems Virginia Court of Appeals
    Miurio Huang

    Miurio Huang is an intern news reporter at Blue Tech Wave media specialised in AI. She graduated from Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University. Send tips to m.huang@btw.media.

    Related Posts

    Cloud Innovation supports ICANN’s move to derecognise AFRINIC, calls for successor to be immediately identified

    July 16, 2025

    ICANN’s quiet power grab: ICP-2 compliance document raises alarms amid AFRINIC crisis

    July 16, 2025

    ICANN recognised AFRINIC, but then turned away

    July 16, 2025
    Add A Comment
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    CATEGORIES
    Archives
    • July 2025
    • June 2025
    • May 2025
    • April 2025
    • March 2025
    • February 2025
    • January 2025
    • December 2024
    • November 2024
    • October 2024
    • September 2024
    • August 2024
    • July 2024
    • June 2024
    • May 2024
    • April 2024
    • March 2024
    • February 2024
    • January 2024
    • December 2023
    • November 2023
    • October 2023
    • September 2023
    • August 2023
    • July 2023

    Blue Tech Wave (BTW.Media) is a future-facing tech media brand delivering sharp insights, trendspotting, and bold storytelling across digital, social, and video. We translate complexity into clarity—so you’re always ahead of the curve.

    BTW
    • About BTW
    • Contact Us
    • Join Our Team
    TERMS
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Use
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.