Instant Alert: Here are the key things to know about Uber's ties to the self-driving startup accused of stealing Google's technology

MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE   Here are the key things to know about Uber's ties to the self-driving startup accused of stealing Google's technology by Danielle Muoio on Feb 24, 2017, 1:02 PM Advertisement Google's self-driving-car company Waymo filed an explosive lawsuit Thursday, alleging that Uber has used intellectual property stolen from Google in order to jump start its self-driving-car efforts. The allegedly stolen technology revolves around the "lidar" sensor — a key component of self-driving cars that uses lasers to map the surrounding environment. Here's what we know so far: Waymo learned of the alleged theft after one of its employees was inadvertently copied on an email that included machine drawings of what appeared to be Uber's lidar circuit board. Waymo claims the drawings bore a "striking resemblance" to its own lidar system. At the center of the lawsuit is Anthony Levandowski, an original team member of Google's self-driving-car project who left the company to co-found Otto, a self-driving-truck startup Uber acquired. The suit claims Levandowski downloaded 14,000 highly confidential files and trade secrets, including Waymo's lidar circuit board design. So, the three big questions that need to be answered are: Was Waymo's technology really stolen by the founders of Otto? If it was, did Uber knowingly acquire Otto to get the technology? Or did Uber simply perform inadequate vetting when it acquired Otto? It may be awhile before we learn the answers. But in the meantime, here's everything you need to know about Uber's relationship with Otto: SEE ALSO: Google's self-driving-car company is suing Uber, accusing it of stealing its technology JANUARY 2016: Anthony Levandowski, an original member of Google's self-driving-car project before it became Waymo, leaves after nine years to co-found Otto, a self-driving-truck startup. Otto's three other co-founders are also ex-Googlers: -Lior Ron, a special advisor at Google from January to December 2015. -Claire Delaunay, Google's head of special hardware for projects from January 2013 to March 2014 and Robotics program lead from March 2014 to February 2016. -Don Burnette, Google software engineer from May 2010 to February 2016. Waymo alleges Levandowski attended meetings with high-level executives at Uber's headquarters on January 14, about two weeks before he quit. Levandowski then formed 280 Systems, which later became OttoMotto LLC, on January 15, the lawsuit claims. Levandowski resigns from Waymo without notice on January 27, according to the suit. MAY 2016: Otto releases a YouTube video of an 18-wheeler equipped with self-driving tech driving on a freeway without a driver behind the wheel, marking its public launch. Youtube Embed: http://www.youtube.com/embed/bK76W1kH4jA Width: 800px Height: 450px   See the rest of the story at Business Insider   Share the latest business news with your network:    Email sent to:   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011