HP Chief Won't Testify at SAP Trial

Hewlett-Packard's (HPQ) new CEO started work this week, but there's one important thing he probably won't be doing: testifying live in a corporate-espionage trial involving his former employer.

Leo Apotheker was formerly CEO of SAP (SAP), the business software maker now on trial over millions of customer support documents stolen from SAP's archrival, Oracle (ORCL).

A trial started this week.

Oracle wants Apotheker to testify about what he knew about the now-shuttered subsidiary. The testimony would have served another purpose beyond stinging SAP: allowing Oracle to pillory the leader of Oracle's new friend-turned-rival, HP.

But Oracle says HP is refusing a subpoena. HP says Oracle is harassing Apotheker and already has a sworn deposition from him.