Kassir v. Home Interactive Corporation
Published: Feb. 9, 2002 | Result Date: Dec. 20, 2001 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: GC024303 Verdict – $11,350,000
Facts
The plaintiffs/cross-defendants, Bachir and Helene Kassir, were employed at the defendant/cross-complainantÆs
corporation, Home Interactive Corp. (HIC). HIC produces Arabic language versions of popular childrenÆs
software programs under license from the original software publishers. Bachir Kassir was an officer, director
and 25-percent shareholder in the company.
In November 1999, both Bachir and Helene Kassir terminated their employment in the
company and Bachir Kassir established a competing corporation.
Settlement Discussions
The defendant/cross-complainant offered to settle for $250,000 several weeks prior to trial. No settlement discussions occurred after that time.
Damages
The defendant/cross-complainant sustained, it alleged, economic damages of $10,350,000.
Other Information
The jury awarded $1,000,001 in punitive damages in addition to the economic damages of $10,350,000. The defendantÆs prior counsel in the case suffered a heart attack during the case. Defendants Bachir and Helene Kassir filed bankruptcy in April 2001. After the stay was lifted, defendants Bachir and Helene Kassir were represented by Jihad KassirÆs counsel until two weeks before trial, and then elected to proceed at trial in pro per. The defendants are filing motions for a new trial and for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.
Deliberation
three days
Length
19 days
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