SOR International, Inc. v. Murray Moss
Published: Aug. 3, 1996 | Result Date: Jun. 10, 1996 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: 724482 – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Experts
Plaintiff
David Broadbent
(technical)
John A. Lee
(technical)
Facts
In May 1986, the plaintiff, SOR International, a California corporation, allegedly negotiated a deal with the owner of the Osmond Studios whereby the plaintiff would purchase the studios from the owner. (The Osmond Studios are the studios in Orem, Utah, where the Donnie and Marie Osmond show originated.) The plaintiff intended to produce commercials for Chinese television and a number of other television shows and movies from the studio after acquisition. The plaintiff contended that the defendant, individually and through his agent, had agreed to finance the plaintiff's purchase of the studios through a "hard money" financing agreement, but when it came time for the defendant to perform, he reneged. The defendant contended that he never entered into any agreement with the plaintiff, nor even knew of the plaintiff. The defendant also contended that he made one written offer to the owner for the studio and equipment, but the owner never responded. The plaintiff, SOR International, Inc., brought this action against the defendant, Murray Moss, based on breach of contract, fraud, interference with contract, interference with economic advantage and equitable estoppel theories of recovery.
Settlement Discussions
There were no firm settlement discussions.
Damages
The plaintiff claimed over $100 million in damages for lost business opportunity and profits.
Other Information
The verdict was reached approximately nine years after the case was filed. The trial was bifurcated. Per the plaintiff, the judgment is likely to be appealed because the court denied the plaintiff's request that the jury be instructed that an agency relationship existed between defendant Murray Moss and a business associate, Marvin Miller.
Deliberation
3+ hours
Poll
8-0 (liability)
Length
6 days
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