Facts

American Master Lease LLC (AML) held a patent for its business method, which involved investment in real property interest on a tenancy-in-common basis. Idanta Partners Ltd. became highly interested in AML's patents, management, and certain partners. Idanta Partners Ltd. entered into discussions first with CB Richard Ellis Investors LLC (CBREI), the initial non-exclusive licensee of the AML patent, with the possibility of a joint venture with CBREI using the AML Business Method. After negotiations broke down, AML accused Idanta and the other named defendants of conspiring to wrongfully acquire rights to the AML patent and to hire AML's management and certain of its partners causing them to breach their fiduciary duties to AML.

Hence, AML sued Idanta and several individuals, including David J. Dunn, Dunn Family Trust, Steven B. Dunn, and Jonathan Huberman, for aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty; inducing breach of contract; conspiracy to induce breach of contract; interference with contractual relations; conspiracy to interfere with contractual relations; unfair competition; and unjust enrichment.

Damages

AML sought damages in excess of $15 million.

Result

The jury returned a verdict of $7,075,891. The jury found in favor of defendant Jonathan Huberman. The verdict has been appealed.