Did the US Appeals Court Uphold a $194 Million Ruling Against TCS in the DXC Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- US Appeals Court ruling: Confirms $194 million damages against TCS.
- Legal options: TCS is considering appeals and further legal actions.
- Workforce issues: TCS faces scrutiny over job terminations amid layoffs.
- Historical context: Dispute traces back to 2019 software usage allegations.
- Financial repercussions: TCS must adhere to accounting standards following the ruling.
In New Delhi, on November 23, NationPress reported that Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) acknowledged a recent ruling from the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which resulted in an unfavorable verdict in a protracted legal battle with DXC Technology Company. This decision reaffirmed a prior judgment that mandated substantial damages against the prominent Indian IT firm.
On November 22, TCS disclosed in a regulatory report that the Appeals Court validated the US District Court's ruling on damages but overturned an earlier injunction and remanded the case back to a Texas lower court for further evaluation.
This legal conflict traces its origins to 2019 when Computer Sciences Corp., which subsequently merged with DXC Technology, accused TCS of unlawfully utilizing its software, which had been licensed to a subsidiary of Transamerica.
The allegations claim that TCS misused software access granted to Transamerica employees who transitioned to TCS under a $2 billion agreement, enabling the IT services giant to create a rival insurance platform.
In a previous disclosure on June 14, 2024, TCS was deemed liable by the District Court for a total of $194.2 million, which encompasses $56.15 million in compensatory damages, $112.30 million in exemplary damages, and $25.77 million in prejudgment interest.
In light of this latest ruling, TCS announced that it is assessing all available legal avenues, including pursuing a review and appealing to the appropriate courts.
The company remains committed to vigorously defending its position and will make the necessary financial provisions in accordance with applicable accounting regulations.
Earlier this month, the Labour Commissioner's Office in Pune summoned TCS regarding numerous complaints lodged by the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) concerning unlawful layoffs and job terminations.
The scheduled hearing was on November 18.
The complaints pertain to alleged ongoing job cuts as TCS aims to reduce approximately two percent of its global workforce.
NITES stated in a post on X, "The Labour Commissioner's Office, Pune, has issued a summons to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) regarding multiple issues raised by NITES about illegal employment terminations and unlawful layoffs. The hearing was set for November 18, 2025."