What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Indiana
Hello,
I signed a licensing agreement with a company to do business under their mark in another state. Once my business was up and running they wanted me to pay a buy-in, higher royalty fees, and sign a contract that gave them 51% ownership of my business(I imagine this was to get around not being a legal franchise).
Once I found out one member was a convicted felon for embezzlement and that the mark was not even registered I decided to break the licensing agreement(per it's terms) and start a company under my own name. Almost immediately after doing so, they sued my corporation and my as an individual stating fraud, unfair competition, breech of contract, and 2 million in damages.
It's been almost a year since this began and it has really affected my businesses growth. They have been doing everything in their power to put me out of business. I have suffered so much stress which isn't good for someone in my current health. I have racked up a healthy bill with the legal team I have and they will no longer represent me do to lack of payment.
I feel helpless and all because I wanted to try and created a better life for myself. I am also scared they could go after my personal assets since I am listed as an individual as well as my corporation. Do you think I should file a counter claim? Is it possible to find an attorney to take my case on contingency Any help is appreciated.
Hello,
I signed a licensing agreement with a company to do business under their mark in another state. Once my business was up and running they wanted me to pay a buy-in, higher royalty fees, and sign a contract that gave them 51% ownership of my business(I imagine this was to get around not being a legal franchise).
Once I found out one member was a convicted felon for embezzlement and that the mark was not even registered I decided to break the licensing agreement(per it's terms) and start a company under my own name. Almost immediately after doing so, they sued my corporation and my as an individual stating fraud, unfair competition, breech of contract, and 2 million in damages.
It's been almost a year since this began and it has really affected my businesses growth. They have been doing everything in their power to put me out of business. I have suffered so much stress which isn't good for someone in my current health. I have racked up a healthy bill with the legal team I have and they will no longer represent me do to lack of payment.
I feel helpless and all because I wanted to try and created a better life for myself. I am also scared they could go after my personal assets since I am listed as an individual as well as my corporation. Do you think I should file a counter claim? Is it possible to find an attorney to take my case on contingency Any help is appreciated.
