In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing legal feud between HR tech giants, Deel has filed an amended complaint against Rippling, accusing its rival of engaging in corporate espionage by allegedly impersonating a customer. According to a recent report by TechCrunch, this new allegation adds fuel to an already heated battle between the two startups, both of which have previously traded accusations of unethical practices.
The amended lawsuit, filed on June 3, 2025, claims that Rippling resorted to deceptive tactics to gain access to sensitive information. Deel alleges that Rippling posed as a customer to infiltrate their systems, a move described as a carefully coordinated espionage campaign. This accusation comes as a surprising twist in a saga that has gripped the tech industry with its tales of betrayal and rivalry.
Deel’s legal team has pointed fingers at Rippling for what they call a blatant violation of business ethics. The complaint also reportedly name-drops prominent venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, though specific details on their involvement remain unclear. This high-profile mention raises questions about the broader implications of the dispute within Silicon Valley’s investment circles.
The rivalry between Deel and Rippling is not new, as both companies have been locked in a bitter fight over trade secrets and customer poaching allegations for months. Previous filings have seen Deel demand unredacted agreements from Rippling regarding alleged payments to spies, while Rippling has countersued, claiming Deel orchestrated long-running thefts of proprietary data.
This latest accusation of customer impersonation could have serious repercussions for Rippling if proven true, potentially damaging its reputation among clients and investors. Legal experts suggest that such tactics, if substantiated, could lead to significant penalties and loss of trust in the competitive HR tech market.
As the case unfolds, the tech community watches closely, with many speculating on how this corporate espionage scandal will impact the future of both companies. With each side refusing to back down, the battle between Deel and Rippling promises more revelations and courtroom drama in the days ahead.
Maria Lourdes
