Richmond, VA — August 12, 2025 — A Virginia federal judge has dismissed the remaining claims in a $63 million trade secrets lawsuit filed by a former technology company employee alleging unauthorized use of his software in development of an alternative program for the U.S. Department of Defense.
U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson issued an eight-page ruling Monday, concluding that the core issues of the case were previously resolved in related litigation in the District of Columbia. The D.C. federal court had determined that plaintiff Neil Zaccari had assigned all rights to his former employer, Apprio Inc., concerning the disputed contract receipt and review (CRR) software.
Zaccari originally filed the lawsuit in June 2018, alleging that Apprio compelled him to provide the Defense Contract Management Agency with a copy of the CRR software, which was then copied and installed on agency systems. Zaccari further claimed that Discover Technologies LLC, a government contractor, used unauthorized copies of the software to develop an alternative product, seeking $63 million in damages.
While previous claims related to business conspiracy and copyright infringement were dismissed, Judge Hudson allowed the trade secrets claim to proceed pending the outcome of the D.C. case. However, following the D.C. district court and appellate rulings affirming Apprio’s ownership rights over the software, Judge Hudson found that Zaccari no longer holds any legal interest in the CRR software and thus lacks standing to pursue claims against Discover Technologies or any other party.
“Since plaintiff has now indisputably assigned his right, title, and interest to Apprio, he undoubtedly has no interest in the CRR Software,” Judge Hudson stated in the order.
Counsel for all parties have yet to comment on the decision.
