LOS ANGELES — In a shot that is sure to create a larger division between the two largest adult entertainment business publishers, Adult Video News has filed suit against XBIZ, claiming it misappropriated trade secrets when it hired a former AVN sales executive.

XBIZ and its sales executive, Sara Sazzman, on Tuesday were served with an eight-count complaint, seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages.

The suit, which includes breach of contract claims, misappropriation of trade secrets and unfair competition, among others, was filed Monday at Los Angeles Superior Court.

XBIZ attorneys said that the company plans to vigorously defend itself against the charges.

“Clearly AVN is trying to tarnish XBIZ’s reputation to stem the tide of its diminishing marketshare,” XBIZ counsel said.