The Wall Street Journal-20080214-H-P Settles With Journalists in Leak Scandal

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H-P Settles With Journalists in Leak Scandal

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Hewlett-Packard Co. has settled claims by journalists stemming from a 2006 scandal in which the company obtained their telephone records as part an investigation of boardroom leaks.

The company agreed to a pay an undisclosed amount of money as part of a settlement, said Terry Gross, a San Francisco lawyer representing three Business Week reporters and the New York Times, which pursued a claim on behalf of a reporter and his spouse. H-P confirmed the settlement.

While not discussing financial terms, Mr. Gross said the Times and its reporter would donate the proceeds to journalism charities. The other reporters would give "a substantial portion" of the award to those organizations.

A settlement also was reached with Mike Moeller, a former H-P spokesman, according to his lawyer.

Three reporters from the online news service CNET have claims against H-P pending in San Francisco Superior Court. Two Wall Street Journal reporters also were targeted in H-P's investigation. The Journal has said it doesn't plan to take legal action.