Protecting An Employer’s Linkedin Network: Whitmar Publications Ltd v Gamage & Ors

Article by Roland Hung and Nathaniel Montgomery*

Overview

The England and Wales High Court (Chancery Division) recently granted an interlocutory injunction restraining former employees from, among other things, using confidential information gained through the employer's LinkedIn groups in their new competing business.¹ An employer can use groups on LinkedIn to manage and interact with its employee, customer and supplier networks. As the issue of misappropriation of employer managed LinkedIn networks and materials has not been addressed within Canada as of the date of this blog, this case from the United Kingdom is helpful in determining the application of Canadian law to this new issue and setting out some steps that employers can take to protect their confidential information.