Edgenet files lawsuit against Home Depot

Brentwood, Tenn.-based Edgenet has filed an injunction against Home Depot for alleged misappropriation of the technology company’s Big Hammer software.

The software helps suppliers and retailers collect and organize data for the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) and for marketing purposes.

The suit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Easter District of Wisconsin, claims that Home Depot illegally created its own software system, “Home Depot Link” using proprietary technology owned by Edgenet. The company also claimed Home Depot interfered with business by informing Edgenet suppliers that Home Depot would cease to accept product data obtained through Big Hammer systems.

“We disagree with the claims and the suit, and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves in the proper forum,” said Stephen Holmes, senior public relations manager for Home Depot.

When contacted by Home Channel News, Edgenet declined to discuss the federal lawsuit filed against Home Depot. The Edgenet software is used by major retailers and distributors, including Lowe's, Ferguson, ACME Tools, Acklands-Grainger, Army Air Force Exchange, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Family Dollar Stores, McLane Co., Metro Group, SuperValu, Wal-Mart and Wegman’s Foods Markets, according to the company's Web site.

Edgenet is also a partner with Home Channel News. The HCN Buyers Guide and Product Directory is powered by Big Hammer.