Alphabiz - Police Launch Probe into OB Beer Over Alleged Theft of SME Business Idea

Photo courtesy of Yonhap News

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] South Korean police have launched an investigation into OB Beer over allegations that it misappropriated a small company’s business proposal after rejecting a partnership.

On February 16, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station said it is investigating Ben Verhaert (Korean name Bae Ha-jun), CEO of OB Beer, on suspicion of violating the Unfair Competition Prevention and Trade Secret Protection Act.

The CEO has not yet been summoned for questioning.

A draft beer catering company, identified as Company A, reportedly filed a complaint earlier this year, alleging that OB Beer obtained trade secrets contained in its business proposals and used them to launch a similar business through a subcontractor.

According to the complaint, proposals submitted by Company A to OB Beer between 2018 and last year included a hybrid business model combining draft beer catering with home and corporate rental services, as well as a subscription-based revenue structure.

Although OB Beer had rejected the proposal, it is alleged to have begun operating a similar catering and corporate rental business through a subcontractor, KinoCon, starting in April 2024.

Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)