Federal Judge Stops Former Palantir Executives From Recruiting Ex-Colleagues

A Manhattan federal judge has temporarily prevented former Palantir Technologies executives from recruiting their old coworkers to join their new AI startup, Percepta AI. The court order remains in effect while Palantir pursues a lawsuit claiming the former employees used company secrets to create a competing business.

A Manhattan federal court has issued a temporary order preventing former Palantir Technologies executives from recruiting employees to their new artificial intelligence company, following allegations they used inside information to create a rival firm.

U.S. District Judge Paul Oetken issued the Wednesday ruling that stops former Palantir vice president Hirsh Jain and senior engineer Radha Jain from soliciting workers for their startup, Percepta AI, which they established in 2024. The relationship between the two Jains remains unclear.

The court order will remain active while Palantir’s October lawsuit proceeds. The company alleges the former employees violated confidentiality agreements and used proprietary information to build what they call a “copycat” artificial intelligence software business.

Judge Oetken also prohibited Joanna Cohen, another former Palantir engineer who joined Percepta, from violating her confidentiality contract with her previous employer. However, the judge declined Palantir’s immediate request to enforce non-compete clauses and customer solicitation restrictions.

The judge’s detailed reasoning remains under seal, though a redacted version will be released after both legal teams suggest appropriate edits.

Percepta AI, which is backed by venture capital firm General Catalyst, made its public debut in October. Neither Palantir nor General Catalyst provided immediate responses to requests for comment.

According to Palantir’s legal filing, both companies offer similar AI-powered services designed to help businesses and government organizations improve efficiency using their existing data resources.

The defendants counter in court documents that Percepta operates as a consulting and engineering company that, unlike Palantir, doesn’t sell software products or offer data analytics services.

Court records show Hirsh Jain previously managed Palantir’s healthcare division, while Radha Jain contributed to developing the company’s primary software platform. Cohen specialized in creating AI solutions for specific clients. Hirsh Jain departed Palantir in August 2024 to establish Percepta, with the others following shortly after.

Within months of launching, Percepta recruited at least 10 former Palantir workers, with nearly half of its staff consisting of ex-Palantir employees, according to the lawsuit.

Palantir claims all defendants signed contracts preventing them from competing with the company for one year after departure, soliciting Palantir clients or staff for two years, and using any confidential company information beyond their employment period.

The lawsuit seeks to enforce these contractual obligations and prevent further alleged violations.