Warner Bros. Discovery filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging it induced contracted employees to breach their agreements. The complaint claims Amazon openly embarked on an unlawful course, quickly trying to pirate a number of contract employees across subsidiaries.

The trigger was the poaching of Pia Barlow, former EVP for originals marketing at HBO Max. Her contract was set to expire Oct. 31, 2027, yet Amazon offered a higher pay package that she accepted, causing her to leave 16 months early. She is expected to start at Amazon on August 3.

Warner also accuses Amazon of promising to cover Barlow’s legal representation if sued for contractual breach. Also, Amazon allegedly tried to induce another employee, likely Francesca Orsi, to breach a December 2027 deadline, but was unsuccessful. Amazon named three new heads for Drama, Comedy, and Young Adult.

The lawsuit seeks a preliminary and permanent injunction against Amazon’s inducement of contractual breaches, along with unspecified monetary damages. Claims include intentional interference with contractual relations, breach of contract, interference with prospective economic advantage, and unfair competition.