Deel Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Rippling amid Intensifying Rivalry

The legal battle between Silicon Valley HR and payroll startups Deel and Rippling has escalated, with Deel filing a defamation and civil lawsuit against Rippling in Delaware after Rippling previously sued Deel in California for alleged corporate espionage, trade secret theft, and violations of the RICO Act. Deel strongly denies all wrongdoing, characterizing Rippling’s suit as a campaign to damage its reputation, and counters in its complaint that Rippling CEO Parker Conrad is driven by jealousy and has engaged in unfair competition. Deel is also seeking to dismiss Rippling’s suit on grounds that the case belongs in Ireland, where related legal action is ongoing, arguing the claims lack merit and constitute an attempt to stifle Deel’s legitimate business activities. Meanwhile, Rippling maintains that Deel has not directly contested its main allegation that Deel’s CEO recruited a spy to steal trade secrets. Both companies now accuse each other of attempting to induce employees to share confidential information. The dispute reflects intensifying competition and increasingly personal attacks between the two fast-growing tech firms.