HP to be Sued by CNET Journalists

Three journalists employed by CNET News.com have indicated that they intend to sue Hewlett-Packard for privacy violations related to their involvement in the pretexting scandal that rocked the company.

Dawn Kawamoto, Stephen Shankland, and Tom Krazit have hired the Los Angeles firm of Panish, Shea & Boyle to represent them, the New York Times reported on Monday. Furthermore, CNET News.com itself is also considering a separate suit.

All three have been barred from covering any stories related to the company, the law firm said.

Panish, Shea & Boyle says its argument is that HP invaded the reporter's privacy by peering into their phone records, as well as that of their relatives. The suit claims the scandal has damaged their careers. It would not be the first to assert this claim: other reporters targeted, including the New York Times Co., are also seeking a settlement.

The momentum for a court case began after former California Attorney General Bill Lockyer met with reporters and news organizations to discuss a possible settlement. Seven of them, including the three CNET reporters, decided to seek separate representation.

While four of the group, including a New York Times reporter and three Business Week reporters are still seeking a group settlement, the CNET reporters have decided to launch their own suit.

Two reporters from the orginal group of nine from the Wall Street Journal have declined to take any legal action.