Legal Question in Business Law in California

Re: Compensation for Ideas

If you don't have either a signed written contract or an oral contract for the work you did and the ideas you imparted under which you can sue, there may be another alternative: A suit to recover on a quantum meruit basis for the fair value of services rendered based on a promise implied in law, and to prevent unjust enrichment of the business entity. Look up the concepts "quantum meruit" "implied contract" "unjust enrichment" and perhaps "quantum valebant" on a search engine.

Re: Compensation for Ideas

You're making this more complicated than it has to be. If you had a contract that required the company to pay you for your advice, and if you gave that advice but weren't paid for it, then you have a straightforward claim for breach of contract. Due diligence, intellectual property, etc. have nothing to do with it.

Re: Compensation for Ideas

You either have a breach of consulting agreement with merit, value and judgment collectability, or you don't. Look to the terms of the agreement to see what, if anything, is enforceable. Then decide how much time and money you'll be willing to risk trying to enforce it by litigation. If you're serious about filing suit, or at least trying to negotiate a settlement of your threat of lawsuit and claim, feel free to contact me to discuss the actual facts, risks and rewards.