WB takes Amazon to court over hire of HBO Max marketing exec
Warner Bros. Discovery has sued Amazon for allegedly poaching employees under fixed-term contracts, specifically targeting a marketing executive. The lawsuit challenges Amazon's recruitment practices and may test the enforceability of fixed-term contracts under California law.
Why it matters
This case highlights the intense competition for talent in the media industry and the legal complexities surrounding non-compete and fixed-term employment agreements.
Warner Brothers Discovery has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the company of hiring an HBO Max executive who was still under contract and trying to recruit other employees before their agreements ended. The lawsuit, filed this week, claims Amazon interfered with Warner Bros.' contractual relationships, breached contracts and engaged in unfair competition. According to the complaint, Amazon hired Pia Barlow, a marketing executive who recently joined Amazon MGM Studios, even though her employment contract with Warner Bros. was due to run until October 31, 2027.Warner Bros. claims Amazon targeted employees under contractAccording to the lawsuit, Amazon has been "hurriedly seeking to pirate away a number of contracted employees," including Barlow. Warner Bros. claims Barlow's employment agreement was still valid when she left for Amazon MGM Studios.The company also accused Amazon of encouraging another Warner Bros.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in