HOUSTON - Alleging a computer application they created was stolen and sold without their permission, Patrick Scott Beardmore and Galen Blom have filed a lawsuit.
Recent court documents filed Feb. 12 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas accuse James Jacobson of committing the acts in question.
The suit shows the plaintiffs began work on the app - which contained a rewards program for customers' loyalty - in January 2012.
It states "this program is unique in the industry because in its concept because of its modest cost, its capacity for game-ability and other unique features."
According to the suit, Beardmore and Blom approached Jacobson about an investment opportunity for the app after its introduction to targeted users on a limited basis.
The plaintiffs provided the defendant with the app components in order to move the project forward.
According to the suit, Jacobson "agreed to provide, and did provide, limited funding," but the three men disagreed on the terms of a startup entity to be created for purposes of marketing the app.
The original petition further states that the respondent then declared he owns the app in its entirety and sold it to unnamed parties for $1 million last month without the plaintiffs' consent or permission.
A jury trial is requested.
Attorney D. John Leger with Leger & Burke PC in Houston is representing the complainants.
Case No. 4:13-CV-361
Lawsuit: Men claim investor usurped ownership of app
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