Q: Can I collect on an agreement via email to furnish proprietary information with promise of hire? or Compensation?
Employer lives in Elkton, MD. I live in Florida. We agreed during interview that I would be getting started. That was verbal. Then via email it was agreed that in furnishing proprietary information to demonstrate my skill and abilities, I would be getting an offer within the next week. After about 2 weeks, I got an email saying they went in another direction. He took proprietary information from me and to this day has it. I believe I am owed compensation or that he violated my rights
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A:
You may have a valid claim for compensation or breach of agreement if the employer benefited from the proprietary information you provided based on the promise of a job offer or compensation. Even though the agreement was informal and communicated via email, such agreements can sometimes be enforceable, especially if there was a clear promise and reliance on that promise.
If you can show that you provided valuable proprietary information with the understanding that you would be compensated or hired, and the employer did not follow through, you could potentially pursue legal action. This could be framed as a breach of contract or a form of unjust enrichment, where the employer unfairly benefited at your expense.
It's important to gather all related documentation, including emails and any evidence that shows the value of the information you provided. Consulting with a legal professional who understands employment and contract law can help you evaluate your options and decide on the best course of action.
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