Dyson is suing former chief executive Max Conze over allegations he leaked confidential information to third parties.
A spokesman for the company said it had filed papers with the High Court today in relation to Conze's dismissal in October.
“The Dyson Board has decided to bring a claim against Max Conze at the High Court of Justice in London in relation to his actions while chief executive including the disclosure of confidential information, and a breach of his fiduciary duties," he said.
As well as leaking secrets, it is understood the allegations include using company resources to research personal investment opportunities and investment opportunities for third party venture capital firms, as well as failing to follow "lawful and reasonable" instructions regarding his conduct and focus of attention.
Electric car plans
Conze left the company suddenly in October, having led it since 2011. He was succeeded by operations chief Jim Rowan, a former chief operating officer at Blackberry maker Research in Motion.
In September the notoriously secretive company confirmed rumours it is working on an electric car, with plans to launch it by 2020. This weekend Sir James Dyson, the company's founder, added the car will have "some driverless in it", and will be completely self-made.
Read more: Dyson's electric car will have driverless elements
