MCP startup Runlayer accuses Rippling of stealing its product idea

Model Context Protocol startup Runlayer has sued HR software provider Rippling, alleging trade secret misappropriation, unfair competition, and breach of contract. According to the lawsuit, Rippling utilized an extensive product trial—sharing product roadmaps and source code under an NDA—to eventually build an internal clone after negotiations broke down. While Rippling denies the allegations and claims its competing MCP gateway was built using solely proprietary information, the case highlights the complex risks AI infrastructure startups face when selling to tech enterprises with significant in-house engineering capabilities.

(Source：TechCrunch)