Bliss Sues QualComm

Electronic News, Nov 30, 1998

SAN DIEGO--Digital wireless communications heavyweight QualComm found itself on the end of a very interesting lawsuit recently as the company was handed a notice that it had been sued by employee Richard Bliss arising from espionage charges against him while working in Russia last year.

The details regarding the alleged espionage charges are not known and charges are still pending against Bliss in Russia. However, QualComm said that the claims against the company by Bliss are without merit and it is confident the lawsuit will be dismissed once the facts are brought out. Bliss is seeking monetary compensation because of alleged legal and mental stress due to the espionage charges against him in Russia, the company said.

Bliss, through his lawyers, apparently contacted QualComm asking for approximately $1 million from the communications company for payment for grievances associated with being investigated in Russia for espionage. QualComm rejected the demands.

The company said it would continue to support Bliss in the fight for repudiation of unfounded charges of espionage by the Russian authorities but would not give the full-time employee additional compensation. Recently, QualComm said it received word that a positive resolution of the matter is imminent.

Bliss has received full support from QualComm, the company asserted, during the time in Russia and since his return. This support included counseling, extensive paid time-off, career planning services, fully paid college tuition and expenses and placement in a new job of his choosing, as well as any legal or other support required to obtain his release from Russia. QualComm alleges the company was not aware of any other needs by Bliss until the demand for approximately $1 million was given to the company by his lawyers.

QualComm said it plans to fight the lawsuit and vigorously defend itself against what the company termed a meritless lawsuit and an opportunistic demand for money.