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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] South Korean police have launched an investigation into OB Beer over allegations that it misappropriated a small company’s business proposal after rejecting a partnership.
On February 16, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station said it is investigating CEO of OB Beer, on suspicion of violating the Unfair Competition Prevention and Trade Secret Protection Act.
The CEO has not yet been summoned for questioning.
A draft beer catering company, identified as Company A, reportedly filed a complaint earlier this year, alleging that OB Beer obtained trade secrets contained in its business proposals and used them to launch a similar business through a subcontractor.
According to the complaint, proposals submitted by Company A to OB Beer between 2018 and last year included a hybrid business model combining draft beer catering with home and corporate rental services, as well as a subscription-based revenue structure.
Although OB Beer had rejected the proposal, it is alleged to have begun operating a similar catering and corporate rental business through a subcontractor, KinoCon, starting in April 2024.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
https://www.alphabiz.co.kr/news/view/1065616445823185
This article is based on global economic content from Alphabiz, which distributes English-language news on Korean markets and companies to international audiences.
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