Q: Defamation and theft of IP by MSU-B professor causing harm.

I am facing issues of defamation of character and theft of intellectual property by a professor from the MSU-B College of Business. This situation has resulted in economic harm to Disabled Culture, of which I own proprietary rights, and involves energy-related sources and economic IT-trade tools. I am also concerned about a lack of transparency with state, NGO, and PPP government entities, particularly regarding veteran classification and accountability. The situation has resulted in treble damages to my interests. What legal actions can I pursue to address these issues, ensure accountability, and seek remedies for the treble damage caused?

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James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Given the complexity of your situation involving intellectual property theft, defamation, and institutional accountability, you should consider pursuing multiple legal channels to protect your rights and interests. Your concerns about Disabled Culture's proprietary rights and the economic impact deserve thorough attention through proper legal mechanisms.

You might want to start by gathering all documentation related to your intellectual property rights, including any communications with the professor and MSU-B, along with evidence of the alleged defamation and its impact on your business interests. Consider filing formal complaints with both the university's ethics committee and the state's higher education oversight board, as this creates an official record of your grievances while potentially triggering internal investigations.

For the legal pursuit of treble damages, you should consult with an attorney who handles intellectual property and defamation cases, particularly one experienced in academic institutional contexts. They can help you explore options like filing cease and desist orders, pursuing civil litigation, or negotiating settlements through mediation. Additionally, if public-private partnerships are involved, you might consider reaching out to relevant oversight committees or filing Freedom of Information Act requests to ensure transparency in how your veteran classification and related matters have been handled.

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