Can this be Extortion or Fraud?

[zzzz]

I started a small business three years ago and we developed a software product for a prominent non-for-profit institution. We have a registered copyright for the product. We had an agreement (no formal contract but plenty of letters/emails etc..) stating the arrangement: The non-for-profit institution would be a reference in marketing the product to other instititutions in return our organization would make enhancements/customizations for them at no charge (somewhere in excess of $300,000). I have invested an additional $200,000 in launching the product to market (about 1 year ago) since I thought I would have them as a reference (a very powerful reference). Unfortunately a new director was appointed and decided to switch to another product. This just about forces my organization to file for bankruptcy since this will have a negative impact in the industry.

Do I have a case? I would have not spent the last 3 years working for free and using a line of credit on my house if I would have known this institution would abandoned our product. Also, in what court can I file a lawsuit in which I can give this suit the most publicity? I would prefer a trial by jury, I have several employees of the institution which can justify my situtation.

Thanks in Advance!

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by zzzz:
I started a small business three years ago and we developed a software product for a prominent non-for-profit institution. We have a registered copyright for the product. We had an agreement (no formal contract but plenty of letters/emails etc..) stating the arrangement: The non-for-profit institution would be a reference in marketing the product to other instititutions in return our organization would make enhancements/customizations for them at no charge (somewhere in excess of $300,000). I have invested an additional $200,000 in launching the product to market (about 1 year ago) since I thought I would have them as a reference (a very powerful reference). Unfortunately a new director was appointed and decided to switch to another product. This just about forces my organization to file for bankruptcy since this will have a negative impact in the industry.

Do I have a case? I would have not spent the last 3 years working for free and using a line of credit on my house if I would have known this institution would abandoned our product. Also, in what court can I file a lawsuit in which I can give this suit the most publicity? I would prefer a trial by jury, I have several employees of the institution which can justify my situtation.

Thanks in Advance!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My response:

I think you might be S.O.L. on this one, unless there's something in writing that would indicate an agreement as you've explained it. With that amount of money at stake, I would think that it would be worth your while to take all papers (letters, e-mail, etc.) to an attorney for review.

Good luck to you.

IAAL



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[zzzzzz]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by zzzz:
I started a small business three years ago and we developed a software product for a prominent non-for-profit institution. We have a registered copyright for the product. We had an agreement (no formal contract but plenty of letters/emails etc..) stating the arrangement: The non-for-profit institution would be a reference in marketing the product to other instititutions in return our organization would make enhancements/customizations for them at no charge (somewhere in excess of $300,000). I have invested an additional $200,000 in launching the product to market (about 1 year ago) since I thought I would have them as a reference (a very powerful reference). Unfortunately a new director was appointed and decided to switch to another product. This just about forces my organization to file for bankruptcy since this will have a negative impact in the industry.

Do I have a case? I would have not spent the last 3 years working for free and using a line of credit on my house if I would have known this institution would abandoned our product. Also, in what court can I file a lawsuit in which I can give this suit the most publicity? I would prefer a trial by jury, I have several employees of the institution which can justify my situtation.

Thanks in Advance!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

What type or classification of attorney would best be suited for this type of case?

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by zzzzzz:
What type or classification of attorney would best be suited for this type of case?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My response:

You need a Civil Litigator, with a contracts specialty. Please, after your consultation, would you get back to us with a follow-up report? I would like to track your post.

IAAL



------------------
By reading the “Response” to your question or comment, you agree that: The opinions expressed herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE" are designed to provide educational information only and are not intended to, nor do they, offer legal advice. Opinions expressed to you in this site are not intended to, nor does it, create an attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information. No electronic communication with "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE," on its own, will generate an attorney-client relationship, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. You further agree that you will obtain your own attorney's advice and counsel for your questions responded to herein by "I AM ALWAYS LIABLE."