Q: I got kicked out of a partnership by a co-founder after 5 months of work with no compensation. what can I do about it?
We agreed with another person to co-found a company where they are a CEO and I'm a technical co-founder. We worked side-by side for 5 months. And about a month they stated that I was no longer a co-founder. They demanded to transfer the IP rights, leaving me with no equity and no compensation for the work done.
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A:
I'm sorry you're experiencing this. Since you've invested time and effort into the partnership, you may have legal rights to compensation or equity. Start by reviewing any agreements or written communications you had with your co-founder to understand your standing.
Reach out to a lawyer who handles business and employment law in California. They can help assess whether you have a case for unpaid work, breach of partnership, or wrongful removal. They can also guide you on protecting any intellectual property you contributed to the company.
Gather all relevant documents, such as emails, contracts, and records of your work. This evidence will be important for your case. Acting promptly can improve your chances of resolving the situation favorably and ensuring you receive what you're owed.
A: As a partner, your rights will derive not from employment laws, but from the laws related to partnership and other business related laws. It would be wise for you to locate and consult with a business litigator who is very familiar with partnership and contracts. Good luck to you.
Robert Kane agrees with this answer
A: The entity's governing documents need to be read by an attorney to determine what you are entitled to.
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