Colossal Biosciences sues ex-VP James Kehler over alleged de-extinction trade secrets
NY Post on a Friday Austin federal filing: Colossal alleges Kehler copied avian/genome files to personal devices before joining Neion Bio; Kehler did not immediately comment; claims untested in court.
Why it matters
Colossal’s public story is woolly mice, dire-wolf-like edits and a $10.2bn January 2025 valuation; this suit shifts the beat to how de-extinction IP travels with people. The complaint, represented by Quinn Emanuel’s Alex Spiro per NY Post, alleges laptop forensics show pre-departure copies and later use at Neion Bio and links to Felix Pets. Allegations are contested terrain until discovery. Watch docket scheduling in the Western District of Texas and any countersuit or settlement notices.
Key facts
- Filed Friday in U.S. District Court, Austin, Texas
- Defendant: former VP James Kehler
- Alleged copies to personal cloud/devices before exit
- Kehler joined Neion Bio as Head of Avian Sciences (Apr 2026, alleged)
- Colossal last cited $10.2bn valuation (Jan 2025)