Apple has contracted an ex-IBM chip design expert which should begin working full time for Apple if only IBM let him. Yes, apparently the multinational computer technology and consulting corporation based in Armonk, New York, is suing its former executive for switching teams with the intention of divulging trade secrets related to IBM's Power chips and server products.

According to a MacNN report, for the last two years, Mark Papermaster has been the part of what the company calls IBM's elite I&VT (Integration and Values Team), where he was touted as the "blade server guru”. IBM's elite team includes the 300 senior managers of the company. The danger IBM is being exposed to is obvious. Blade servers allow companies to achieve more processing power with a single computer, while saving energy and space. Papermaster is known to have authored several papers on chip development at IBM. He also carries knowledge on how to build highly efficient servers based on technologies other than Power. IBM specifically calls out Papermaster's knowledge of blade servers and related manufacturing, research, and innovation.

With all this “in mind”, the soon-to-be Apple staffer might provide the Cupertino-based corporation with better solutions to address the server market and/or improve the company's Xserve line up. Papermaster is also expected to work closely with Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

The complaint also describes the exec as a "top expert in Power architecture and technology" and says that Papermaster is "one of IBM's top executives who is possession of significant and highly-confidential IBM trade secrets and know-how, as well as sensitive information regarding business strategy and long-term opportunities."

In typical Apple manner, the Mac maker hasn't said a word yet. IBM, however, has stated loud and clear that Papermaster's employment by Apple is "a violation of his agreement with IBM against working for a competitor should he leave IBM. We will vigorously pursue this case in court."