SAN JOSE, CA (BRAIN)—A jury on Friday found Volagi co-founder Robert Choi liable for breach of contract. Choi was ordered to pay his former employer, Specialized, $1.
Choi's partner Barley Forsman was found not liable.
On Thursday the judge eliminated some of the claims in the case, which originally included theft of intellectual property and interference in a contract, to just the breach of contract charge against Choi and Forsman.
Specialized founder and president Mike Sinyard said he was satisfied with the outcome.
“This lawsuit was a matter of principle and about protecting our culture of trust and innovation. We respect the ruling of the court in our favor. We are very satisfied with the outcome and the damages set at $1.00. We really want to put all our passion and time into growing the sport of cycling.”
According to earlier court filings, Specialized had spent $1.5 million in legal fees up to the start of the trial last week.
Despite the finding against Choi, Volagi wasted little time in celebrating the decision.
"Best dollar we ever spent," the company said on its Twitter account.
Forsman told BRAIN that Volagi is considering filing a frivolous lawsuit claim against Specialized.
—Nathaniel Woo
Photo: Volagi co-founders Barley Forsman (left) and Robert Choi walk out of the San Jose Superior Court Friday. Photo COPYRIGHT: Stan Olszewski/SOSKIphoto
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