Legal Question in Business Law in California

Compensation

Question: I own a custom automotive upholstery shop, I also

work for new car dealer ships in my area. A year ago the

Pontiac Grand Am's where having a problem with the vinyl

lifting off the door panels. I cam up with a method on how

to repair the vinyl to keep the dealer ship from spending

300.00 dollars per door panel for the Grand Am's. GM Pontiac

Div. Rep. for the dealer ship asked the Service Manager if he

would ask me to write down how I perform the repair on the

panels, so that GM could incorporate my method into there

production line to save them the problem with the door panels

so they could save money and correct the problem, further

stating that I would be named as the invertor of the repair

and compensated for my help by GM, this never happened as they

said. To the point can I make GM compensate me with a notarize

singed statement from the Service Manager on this mater, being

that General Motors approached me on this matter and then dropped

there end of the deal. GM saved I would say, depending if it were one

panel or four panels complete mark up from replacing them at

the cost of 300.00 per panel. Iv been told I can pursue this

matter, but I would like a lawyers point of vew.


Asked on 10/22/03, 2:15 am

5 Answers from Attorneys
Sheldon G. Bardach Law Offices of Sheldon G. Bardach

Re: Compensation

It certainly is worth pursuing. Although they may already own the process, inasmuch as it appears that you did the process as a work for hire. That was not your arrangement with the dealership. You should pursue this matter. It could be worth a considerable sum to you.

Read more
Answered on 10/22/03, 3:36 am
Linda Allen Law Offices of LInda M Allen

Re: Compensation

Thank you for your inquiry. In my opinion you should pursue this matter. Whether you can recover or not will depend upon the documentation you have evidencing you as the inventor, etc. Also it will be interesting to discover if the process has now been integrated into GM's production line, this of course will add to your recovery. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have further questions at 619.233.0900.

Sincerely,

Read more
Answered on 10/22/03, 11:46 am
Michael Olden Law Offices of Michael A. Olden

Re: Compensation

Depending upon the nature of what you signed you may very well have claims against General Motors. This was what is called a proprietary process known only to you. They do not have the right just taken from you without any compensation whatsoever. Many years ago I handled an individual who sued a noted sports franchise in my area and its owner. All he had was notes written on a napkin in that was held sufficient for damages to him because of breach of contract. Yours, if the writing is in your favor so, seems more secure but there is no guarantee in any court of law as to the outcome. I would be interested in looking at the documents signed by you and hearing this story in a complete manner and more I could be able to ask numbers of questions that I have. I am in Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area, and if you wish to contact me I am at 925 -- 945 -- 6000.

Read more
Answered on 10/22/03, 12:51 pm
Siamak Pishvaee Pishvaee & Bavar

Re: Compensation

Pursue it.

Read more
Answered on 10/22/03, 1:39 pm
Larry Rothman Larry Rothman & Associates

Re: Compensation

You should have a written contract that protects you and prevents General Motors from not paying you per unit. Please contact our office for

review of your documentation and consultation. 714 363 0220.

Read more
Answered on 10/22/03, 4:14 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Business Law questions and answers in California