On 30 August 2006, Internet Solutions (IS) obtained an Anton Piller-type order (search-and-seizure) against Verizon SA and a former employee of IS.
The order was obtained on the basis of evidence that Verizon was in possession of, and was unlawfully using, proprietary information of IS, which IS contended Verizon had obtained unlawfully, through its former employee, and was using that proprietary information to compete unlawfully and unfairly with IS.
The search-and-seizure operation was conducted on 31 August 2006 and resulted in the discovery of in excess of one hundred and eight documents (both electronic and hard copy), many of which were IS-branded and were indisputably the exclusive property of IS.
The documentation included confidential customer lists of IS, key intellectual property of IS, and other trade secrets and confidential information of IS. Shortly after the search-and-seizure operation, Verizon agreed to return the misappropriated documentation to IS, and the documentation was restored to IS.
On Thursday 14 June 2007, Verizon made a settlement offer to IS, in respect of which it would pay for, among other things, all IS' legal costs to date. IS accepted such settlement offer, having obtained the said documentation, and is happy that the matter has now been finally resolved.
Share
Internet Solutions (IS) is a leading provider of end-to-end connectivity solutions and related services across the African continent. The people at IS are passionate about constantly innovating and delivering solutions and services that are relevant and critical to its customers. These services are built on a world-class, secure, resilient infrastructure, delivered according to global best practices and effected in partnership with the world's leading technology vendors. It is through these services and solutions that IS creates a competitive edge for its customers communication needs, and promotes sustainable business growth.
The business was founded in 1992 on the principle of developing a robust infrastructure in order for corporates and other organisations to communicate. Since then, IS has established itself as a leader in this space, attracting over 80% of South Africa's top businesses as clients. From listed companies to non-governmental organisations, local and national government and smaller companies, IS is enabling and evolving communications to meet the business needs of thousands of customers.
Today, the company enjoys a leadership position as it delivers services including: hosting, access, security solutions, virtual private network, mobile solutions, VOIS, African solutions, broadband, and application services. Recent growth in the African economy has resulted in IS spreading its services across all parts of the continent, as clients demand reliable and robust networking connectivity in the African market.
Internet Solutions has been certified as a Level 4 contributor to BEE (100% compliant), and has earned an impressive collection of accolades and awards. Partnerships with major global players such as Cisco and Microsoft are also fundamental to IS, and as such, Internet Solutions was recently awarded Microsoft Gold Certification in the hosting specialisation for hosted messaging and collaboration (Hosted Exchange and SharePoint) and managed hosting solutions - the first South African company to achieve this accreditation. Similarly, in 2002, IS was certified as a Cisco Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), the first company outside of the US to be awarded this accolade. For more visit us on www.is.co.za.
Editorial contacts