Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California

treatment program and staff training

I worked for a nonprofit treating

adults with chemical imbalances for

7 1/2 years. I brought my treatment

program sessions and staff training

to what was a board and care. The

program was unfortunately

mismanaged by its board and

directors it was sold to another

nonprofit and I was dismissed as a

result of reporting medi-cal fraud

during the merger. The new

company let me know they would

not be giving me a contract with

their company as I was not a team

player. They also let me know it was

in their opinion that I did not have a

''legal leg to stand on'' as far as them

keeping my program intact after my

departure. I am back in private

practice and another company is

interested in my treatment programs

and staff training..... I have no idea

how much to charge, protect my

work or any of the legal aspects! :(

I only knew to mail myself my work

in a certified envelope before the

merger went through. I don't really

care about the other company much

at this point however would like to

be protected in new ventures.

Where do I even start?


Asked on 9/30/07, 1:05 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Johm Smith tom's

Re: treatment program and staff training

Mr. Stone is correct. Consult with him, us or another attorney.

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Answered on 10/03/07, 10:16 am
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: treatment program and staff training

1. Copyright your work by including a copyright notice and registering it with the US Copyright Office. Even though you did not do this, you do own the copyright and can enforce your rights in a lawsuit.

2. Reporting fraud against a government entity should be done through your own lawyer since the False Claims Act provides for a cash bounty to the reporting party. Maybe it is still not too late.

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Answered on 9/30/07, 1:50 am


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