What can I do about a friend stealing a business plan I authored and who is distributing it as his own?
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What can I do about a friend stealing a business plan I authored and who is distributing it as his own?
Asked on May 12, 2011 under Business Law, Michigan
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You can and should consult with a business attorney about interference with prospective contractual relations if you had contracts or business with clients ready to go. If someone has stolen your business plan, depending on how original it is, it may be a copyright issue and at the very least you might be able to sue under general copyright law (not federal protection but perhaps state level). If you have positive proof you created the business plan and you have positive proof he is marketing that exact plan as his own, you should sue. Perhaps a threat of lawsuit or the simple filing of one will make him see the light.
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