A California man is suing Uber claiming the firm stole his idea for using GPS and mobile phone technology for cab hailing.
Kevin Halpern is claiming $1bn.
His claim centres around a company called Celluride Wireless which was formed in 2003. Halpern says he launched a prototype in 2006. He says he met Travis Kalanick, Uber CEO and is claiming that he shared his ideas and the prototype.
The claim says Uber misappropriated Celluride’s trade secrets after Halpern shared them under a confidentiality agreement.
Uber said the claims were baseless and that it would fight them.
Uber’s latest funding round could push the firm to a $50bn valuation.
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Separately Mayor of London Boris Johnson issued a statement promising to cap the number of mini cabs operating the in capital. Uber has around 15000 cabs operating in London. Johnson said action much be taken to address the threat of the ‘massive increase we are seeing the number of private-hire vehicles.’
