A deal between Google and Mortech Inc. has landed the Nebraska firm in court.
Mortech is partnering with the search engine behemoth to launch an online mortgage loan aggregator service, according to an announcement Wednesday from LendingTree LLC.
The service is similar to what Charlotte, N.C.-based LendingTree offers.
The deal between Lincoln, Neb.-based Mortech, which provides automated pricing services, and Google violates covenants of a contract between LendingTree and Mortech, the statement said.
So LendingTree sued.
“Despite repeated efforts, LendingTree was unsuccessful in resolving the dispute amicably and therefore took legal action,” the statement said.
The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday, the news release indicated. A temporary restraining order that would prevent Mortech from assisting Google is sought by the mortgage lead generation service.
“We will vigorously protect our contractual rights, our company, our customers and our clients in this matter,” LendingTree founder and Chief Executive Officer Doug Lebda said in the statement.
LendingTree said that a hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 2.
After this story was published, Mortech issued a statement indicating that it “has a proven track record of treating all industry partners and customers with absolute respect and consideration.
“We will deal with this issue in a responsible, forthright and timely fashion while upholding our commitment to supporting our customers’ success.”