DaVoice Sues Perplexity AI Over Trade Secrets

AI technology startup DaVoice has filed a lawsuit against Perplexity AI in California federal court, accusing the artificial intelligence company of misappropriating trade secrets connected to wake word technology used in AI assistants.

The complaint, filed Thursday and heavily redacted, centers on an earlier collaboration between DaVoice and Perplexity. According to the lawsuit, DaVoice shared confidential technical information while the companies worked together on technology incorporating the startup’s proprietary systems.

DaVoice alleges that the confidential material included proprietary source code, inference logic, network architecture, training techniques, training data and specialized expertise. The startup claims Perplexity later improperly used information obtained through their collaboration.

Wake word technology allows devices to continuously listen for a specific phrase that activates an AI assistant or other voice-enabled service. Such systems have become increasingly important as technology companies expand the use of voice interfaces and artificial intelligence across consumer devices, vehicles and connected products.

DaVoice specializes in this area and has previously worked with major companies including German automaker Volkswagen and internet-of-things technology provider Samsara.

Perplexity AI rejected the allegations on Friday. A company spokesperson described the lawsuit as a baseless effort to claim ownership over standard wake word technology.

The spokesperson also said the agreement governing the relationship between Perplexity and DaVoice specifically preserves Perplexity’s ability to develop products or services that are similar, equivalent or competitive with DaVoice’s offerings.

The legal dispute adds to growing scrutiny surrounding intellectual property and trade secrets in the rapidly expanding AI industry, where companies increasingly compete for proprietary technology, training methods and specialized technical expertise.

Representatives and attorneys for DaVoice did not respond to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit. The case will now move through federal court as DaVoice seeks to establish whether Perplexity improperly obtained or used its confidential technology.