DaVoice Sues Perplexity AI Over Wake Word Trade Secrets

Sep 27, 2026
DaVoice alleges Perplexity AI stole trade secrets involving technology that lets devices listen continuously for activation words.

DaVoice sued Perplexity AI in California federal court for allegedly stealing trade secrets related to wake word technology, Reuters reports. The startup filed the heavily redacted complaint on Thursday.

DaVoice claims the companies collaborated on unspecified technology that used its proprietary source code, inference logic, network architecture, training methods, training data and technical knowledge. It alleges Perplexity later stole those secrets.

DaVoice develops technology that allows devices to listen continuously for specific words that activate an assistant. Spokespeople for DaVoice and Perplexity did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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