A West Harrison health care tech company claims that two former employees are stealing clients.
Anatomy IT accused Eric Johnson, Adam Piazza and Cyberlife Systems Inc. of misappropriation of trade secrets in a complaint filed on April 1 in U.S. District Court, White Plains.
“Although Piazza and Johnson expressly agreed to abide by their non-solicitation, non-disclosure and other post-employment obligations to Anatomy IT, they have done nothing of the sort,” the complaint states. Instead, they have “engaged in a targeted campaign to steal Anatomy IT’s clients, customers, and accounts.”
White Plains attorney Jane Gould declined to respond to the allegations on behalf of Johnson and Piazza, stating that it would be inappropriate to comment on current litigation.
Anatomy, previously known as StratX I.T. Solutions, provides technology services to about 1,750 medical practices, physician services and hospitals across the country. It is based in an office park next to Westchester County Airport.
Johnson, of Princeton, MN, was brought in as a consultant in 2021 and then hired as vice president of managed services, according to the complaint. He oversaw technicians, assessed IT services, implemented cost-saving measures, and dealt with clients and vendors.
Piazza, of Milford, CT, joined the company two months later as senior network engineer, reporting to Johnson.
Johnson and Piazza had access to Anatomy’s contracts, contacts, customer preferences and pricing.
Both men agreed to protect the company’s confidential information, the complaint states, and both promised that if they left they would not do business with Anatomy’s clients for a year.
Piazza “separated” from Anatomy in January 2023. Two months later, Johnson did the same. The complaint does not explain why they left or whether they did so voluntarily.
Johnson allegedly went back to work for his consulting company, CyberLife LLC, and brought in Piazza. In June 2023, he formed CyberLife Systems Inc., Minneapolis, with himself as president and Piazza as vice president and chief technology officer.
The new CyberLife, the complaint states, offers the same services as Anatomy.
Last November, Anatomy learned that Piazza and Johnson were soliciting its clients, according to the complaint.
For instance, Johnson allegedly stated in an email to an Anatomy client, “In case you aren’t satisfied with the level of services you are receiving from them, CyberLife is an excellent alternative.”
Seven clients have left Anatomy, according to the complaint, and two of them switched their business to CyberLife.
Even after Anatomy demanded that Johnson and Piazza stop violating their non-disclosure and non-solicitation agreements, the complaint states, Piazza solicited at least one more Anatomy client.
Anatomy accused the men and CyberLife of breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, interfering with business, and unfair competition.
It is demanding unspecified damages and asking the court to order the defendants to stop using its confidential information and to stop soliciting its clients.
