Long-Running Tensions Between Former Partners
Splunk originally sued Cribl in 2022, describing the company as “a business built on the back of Splunk’s labor and intellectual property.”
Cribl was founded by former Splunk employees, and the two companies initially collaborated. In 2018, Splunk granted Cribl a TAP license allowing it to use Splunk Enterprise software. That relationship later deteriorated as Cribl emerged as a competitor.
According to court filings, Splunk terminated the TAP license but allowed Cribl to continue operating under the broader SGT license. The jury ultimately found that Cribl breached the SGT license but did not breach the TAP license.
What Comes Next
With its appeal now pending, Splunk is seeking review of the fair use determination, the damages award, and the trial court’s refusal to grant a new trial or judgment as a matter of law.
Splunk is represented by attorneys from Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Cribl is represented by Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP.
