The lawsuit, filed on behalf of HP shareholder Brockton Contributory Retirement System, says HP’s board violated its corporate-governance guidelines by failing to inform shareholders of the investigation that led to Hurd’s resignation last week, The Wall Street Journal reported. Also named as defendants in the lawsuit were Hurd (pictured) and HP interim chief executive Cathie Lesjak.

The  lawsuit seeks to recover at least US$12 million paid as severance to Hurd, any damages caused to HP, and punitive damages. The funds would go to HP, not the plaintiffs.

The action comes as HP attempts to assure its customers and partners that it will find an effective successor and remain focused on its business strategy.

HP executives have sent an e-mail to thousands of HP’s partners assuring them that the company remains “absolutely focused” on delivering a successful line of products and services to its partners.

Hurd stepped down after the conclusion of a sexual harassment investigation in which he was found in violation of HP’s Standards of Business Conduct, though not its sexual harassment policy, according to a statement from HP.

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