Realtor.com and Homes.com Parent Companies Clash in Court Over Data-Theft Allegations

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In a high-stakes legal battle that pits two real estate giants against each other, Move, Inc. and CoStar Group—the parent companies of Realtor.com and Homes. com—are embroiled in a heated dispute over alleged data theft. As the case progresses in the U.S. District Court in California, recent court filings have intensified the drama, with both sides accusing each other of misconduct and playing to the media.

The Legal Tug-of-War

On August 7, CoStar Group submitted a supplemental memo to the court, denying accusations made by Move in its filing from August 6. This latest exchange is part of a series of filings surrounding CoStar’s request for expedited discovery, a process that has been fraught with contention. The legal skirmishes have involved accusations of insincerity and media manipulation, with the filings taking on a tone of sarcasm and insult.

CoStar’s memo criticized Move for allegedly complicating what should have been a straightforward process. "Defendants diligently attempted to discuss the scope of discovery, but Move transformed a simple stipulation into over 60 pages of contentious briefing," CoStar’s memo read. The company accused Move of using the expedited discovery process as a means to delay and re-litigate the court’s decisions.

In response, Move’s filing countered these claims by asserting that CoStar's allegations were unfounded. Move argued that CoStar's portrayal of their actions was misleading and accused CoStar of attempting to undermine the seriousness of their claims. "Move does not want this case to go away. If we wanted to end it, we would simply dismiss it. Instead, we are seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent further misuse of confidential information," Move's response stated.

The Crux of the Dispute

At the heart of the legal clash is Move's contention that James Kaminsky, a former Realtor.com employee now at Homes.com, accessed and misused proprietary data. Move is seeking to prevent CoStar from further using this information, which it argues was obtained unlawfully.

CoStar’s General Counsel, Gene Boxer, expressed confusion over Move’s refusal to engage in discovery, stating, “We are baffled by Move’s decision not to seek any discovery. It suggests they are not genuinely concerned about their claims. Move’s actions reflect a lack of confidence in their allegations."

Looking Ahead

As the court proceedings continue, both companies are positioning themselves for a protracted battle. The case not only highlights the competitive tension between these major players in the real estate sector but also raises broader questions about data security and corporate conduct.

This ongoing dispute underscores the complex interplay between legal strategy and corporate interests in today’s high-stakes business environment.