WPP seeks to seal 'highly confidential and sensitive' client information from lawsuit with former exec

WPP is fighting back against a lawsuit filed by one of its former executives.

WPP WPP alleges in a legal filing that a former exec improperly leaked sensitive information in his lawsuit against the company.

WPP is asking the court to seal several paragraphs, figures, and exhibits from the lawsuit.

A lawyer for the former exec said he will "oppose any attempt to seal the facts of this case." Ad giant WPP is fighting back against a lawsuit filed by one of its former executives, alleging that he improperly leaked sensitive trade secrets and client data that could jeopardize its business.

The lawsuit, from former WPP exec Richard Foster, accuses the company of retaliating against him and firing him after he raised concerns that the group's media investment division was allegedly running an improper global kickback operation.

In a new filing added to the case last week, Foster's legal team included details of a purported investigation by WPP client Sony that said WPP had run a "fraud scheme" in China and other markets, in which it improperly withheld rebates from its clients.

WPP's lawyers on Thursday filed a motion to seal from public view several paragraphs, figures, and exhibits from within Foster's amended complaint.

In a memo to support its proposed order to seal, WPP argues Foster's complaint is stacked with "immaterial and salacious allegations" designed to harass the ad agency group and its clients.

WPP declined to comment on the latest filings.

Sony declined to comment.

William A.

Brewer III, partner at Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors and lead counsel to Foster, said in a statement that it was reviewing WPP's motion.

"Mr.

Foster will oppose any attempt to seal the facts of this case from those with an interest in this matter," Brewer said.