A new data-processing chip may be poised to set the next standard for data centers, but the lead and his new startup must first get past legal challenges brought by Apple. The tech giant brought several claims to bear against a former employee and his new company, Nuvia. Apple's list of complaints includes breach of contract and intellectual property theft. A look at state law and similar cases provides insight on the possible outcomes.
Former Apple employee and designer facing breach of contract suit
CBS sued for infringing rights to 'The Andy Griffith Show' theme
Previous generations in Colorado enjoyed "The Andy Griffith Show" on television. To this day, the iconic whistling theme music for the show remains recognizable. Fans of the show may be interest to learn that the heirs currently holding the rights to the music, composed by Earle Hagen and Herbert Spencer in the 1950s, have filed a federal lawsuit against CBS for infringing on the music's copyright.
Company, former executive in noncompete dispute
When high-ranking executives walk away from a job in Colorado, they often are bound by noncompete agreements. These contracts attempt to prevent executives from taking trade secrets and other company knowledge to a competitor. One large biotechnology company, Omeros, is engaged in an ongoing legal dispute with its former chief business officer. The company alleges that the executive violated his agreement not to compete with it when he accepted a position with another corporation involved in the development of similar and potentially competitive drugs.
Microsoft sues CHS for copyright infringement
Software giant Microsoft recently filed a lawsuit against Community Health Systems, a Kentucky-based hospital management company. Microsoft believes CHS used copyrighted software without an appropriate license.
A failed attempt to buy a competitor leads to a lawsuit.
Sometimes failed merger negotiations lead to litigation. And sometimes litigation can lead to a countersuit or a separate lawsuit. This is precisely what is happening in Texas. Business owners in Colorado who are contemplating a merger or a buyout of another company should pay attention to developments in this case.
Key aspects of litigation readiness plans
Most business owners are enjoying a prosperous 2016. But like any successful enterprise, a company cannot simply rest on its laurels. It has to keep innovating and competing in the marketplace. However, the successes of a business can be destroyed through a lawsuit. After all, defending a lawsuit can be just as expensive as being liable for the judgment attached to it. Further, the time spent in defending lawsuits can make it difficult for a business to maintain its trajectory of profitability.
Things to consider when filing a breach of contract lawsuit
When entities sign a business contract, it is generally with the expectation that both parties will abide by the agreement. However, during the course of doing business, there are many issues that could complicate the arrangement and result in contract disputes. When faced with these difficulties, many in Colorado may consider filing a breach of contract lawsuit.
Avoiding ambiguity in patent filing
The process of patenting your new invention can be a daunting one, but it is a necessary part of bringing your idea to the market. Before your new stroke of brilliance can change the world forever (or maybe just improve the functionality of toasters), it is important to file a patent to define exactly what makes the idea special and distinct. One pitfall of patent registration is that inventors use ambiguity in their description of the idea by expressing what the invention does instead of clearly expressing how the invention does it.
What to expect during discovery
Part of resolving claims against your business involves investigating them. This includes gaining information about the opposing party as well as the claims that they will advance at trial. This process is known discovery, and it is a critical part of litigation.
More information on non-compete agreements
Our post last week focused on non-compete agreements. If you are a business owner and will be hiring employees, there are many benefits to including a non-compete agreement in your employment contracts. But as we mentioned earlier, these agreements are not always enforceable if they are not structured in a certain way.
