Papaya Media Corp., a New York-based digital marketing company, has filed a lawsuit against Haven Health Management, LLC, alleging misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of contractual agreements.
The dispute involves a digital marketing campaign developed by Papaya Media for Haven Health, which operates substance abuse treatment centers in multiple states. According to the complaint, Papaya Media’s marketing strategy includes a keyword database and data processing method intended to generate leads by matching prospective customers with targeted advertisements. This system is alleged to have produced high conversion rates.
Papaya Media claims it granted Haven Health access to this system as part of a contractual agreement. The company further alleges that Haven Health subsequently revoked access while continuing to use the campaign without compensation.
The complaint cites alleged violations of the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 and the Maryland Uniform Trade Secrets Act. Papaya Media contends that Haven Health used its proprietary system without intention to pay for the services, referencing statements by Haven Health's Chief Marketing Officer during a public webinar about using external vendors to inform internal practices.
Papaya Media seeks compensatory damages exceeding $1 million for lost profits and unjust enrichment, as well as punitive and exemplary damages. The company also seeks injunctive relief to prevent further use or disclosure of its trade secrets and requests reimbursement for legal expenses.
The plaintiff is represented by attorneys Brett E. Lewis, Nicole Haff, and Rachel Ann Niedzwiadek of Lewis & Lin LLC. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case No. 2:25-cv-2752.