Apple seeks dismissal of A123 lawsuit over alleged employee poaching

An inside look at the Venturi Buckeye Bullet 3 land speed racing vehicle with A123 battery technology.

In its court filing, Apple argues A123's original complaint "fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted," meaning the battery maker failed to meet minimal pleading requirements. The filing was spotted by Reuters earlier today.

A123 is suing Apple for allegedly poaching five key employees from the battery maker's advanced System Venture Technologies Division. The division's duties are not clear, but the company claims its employees left "under suspicious circumstances," starting with former CTO Mujeeb Ijaz last June.

Along with individual claims against the former employees relating to breaches of non-disclosure, non-compete and non-solicitation clauses, A123 asserts Apple intentionally interfered with contractual obligations and raided its business.

The lawsuit comes amid a whirlwind of rumors revolving around a so-called "Apple Car." It has been speculated that the Cupertino, Calif., company is building out an advanced batteries division possibly related to electric vehicle cells.

It was reported last week that Apple and A123 engaged in settlement talks, but the discussions have yet to bear fruit.