Plaintiff's Original Petition and Application For Injunctive Relief

Beginning of Legal Text

CAUSE NO. 199 596 97

PLAINTIFF'S ORIGINAL PETITION AND
APPLICATION FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF SAID COURT:

DSC Communications Corporation ("DSC"), Plaintiff, complains of Evan Brown ("Brown"), Defendant, and would respectfully show the Court as follows:

1. The Parties

1. DSC is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Collin County, Texas at 1000 Coit Road, Plano, Texas 75075-5813.

2. Evan Brown is an individual residing in Collin County, Texas and who may be served with process at his residence at 2705 Chadbourne Dr., Plano, Texas 75023.

Jurisdiction and Venue

3. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this litigation because the amount at issue is in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of this Court.

4. Venue is proper in Collin County, Texas pursuant to Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. $ 15.002 because Brown's residence was situated in Collin County, Texas when all or part of the causes of action accrued, and because the causes of action, in whole or in substantial part, arose in Collin County, Texas.

Facts Applicable to All Claims

5. DSC is a corporation engaged in the business of developing and selling telephone switching systems and other telecommunications technology. On April 21, 1987, DSC hired Evan Brown. Continuously and over the next ten years, DSC employed Brown under various job titles. In each of these positions, Brown worked on software technology for DSC's telecommunications products and systems.

6. The field of telecommunications is a highly competitive technology sector. Inventions, new concepts, ideas, and trade secrets are among the most valuable assets of telecommunications companies like DSC. Recognizing this fact, Brown and DSC entered into an "Employment, Copyright, and Proprietary Information Agreement" ("Employment Agreement") (see Exhibit 1) at the onset of the employment relationship. The terms of the Employment Agreement speak to two types of inventions: (1) those conceived prior to Brown's employment by DSC and (2) those conceived during Brown's employment with DSC. With respect to the first, Brown, in 1987 when he joined DSC, that declared he had none. (See Exhibit 1, p E) With respect to the second, the Employment Agreement states:
   In consideration of my employment (or continued employment in the event I am already in the employ of the Company at the time of execution hereof) with DSC Communications Corporation or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof (the "Company") and of the salary or wages paid for my services in such employment, the Company and I agree as follows:
   1. I will communicate to an officer of the Company promptly and fully all inventions (including but not limited to all matters subject to patent, i.e., processes, machines, computer programs, etc.) made or conceived by me (whether made solely by me or jointly with others) from the time of entering the Company's employ until I leave (1) which are along the lines of the business, work or investigations of the Company or of companies which it owns or controls at the time of such inventions, or (2) which result from or are suggested by any work which I may do for or on behalf of the Company.

   2. I will assist the Company and its nominees during an [sic] subsequent to such employment in every proper way (entirely at its or their expense) to obtain for its or their own benefit patents for such inventions in any and all countries (including the assignment of any inventions to the Company), said inventions to be and remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company or its nominees whether patented or not.

7. As a leader in its field, DSC develops technology and markets products to connect phone calls and move information from one place to another. To achieve this task, DSC developed complex telecommunications hardware and software. An important type of DSC's hardware is a large digital switching computer known as a digital switch. DSC's digital switch simultaneously reroutes thousands of telephone connections. In order to operate, DSC's digital switch requires the appropriate DSC proprietary software to be loaded on and be operating on the switch. This DSC proprietary software comprises many millions of lines of computer code.

8. A great deal of DSC's switching software written since the early 1980s exists in a special type of machine executable binary code called Z8000 language. Recent technological advances have given rise to the development of new high level computer languages, such as C and C++. These newer languages are much easier to use and more efficient than Z8000. As such, there would be great advantage to DSC to translate its millions of lines of Z8000 language to the more modem C or C++ languages. However, at present, translating the Z8000 is an extremely laborious process, requiring years of work and significant resources.

9. If DSC could develop a computer program which would automatically translate "machine executable binary code," such as the Z8000, to a "high level source code," such as C or C++, it would realize the reward of significant savings both in man hours and resources. Moreover, as both Brown and DSC knew, such an automated translation program would be worth many millions of dollars, because numerous other telecommunications and technology companies are similarly struggling to translate or convert their old computer codes into new computer code as efficiently as possible. In fact, several members of DSC's Research and Development Division recently submitted an invention disclosure form to DSC's patent department relating to their effort to develop just such an automated translation program. (See Exhibit 2).

10. During his employment at DSC, Brown became aware of the enormous resources and data currently invested in the older Z8000 code, as well as the difficulties that currently exist in updating this code. Having learned these facts, Brown realized how valuable a computerized automated translation process would be.

11. Based on this knowledge, and during his employment at DSC, Brown conceived a computer solution which would make possible an automated translation of the computer code in the old Z8000 language to the new C or C++ languages. Brown knew how valuable this computerized solution would be to DSC. On April 19, 1996, Brown sent a memo to Gamini Desoyza, his immediate supervisor, stating that he had
    developed a method of converting machine executable binary code [such as Z8000] into high level source code [such as C or C++] form using logic and data abstractions. The purpose of this idea is to take existing executable programs and "reverse engineer" the intelligence from the programs and "re-code" the intelligence into a portable high level language.

    (See Exhibit 3). Thus, during his employment by DSC, Brown conceived and developed a solution which would allow DSC to perform an automated computerized translation of DSC's old Z8000 switching codes into "C" and/or "C++" (the "Solution"). Accordingly, under the terms of the Employment Agreement he was required to disclose the Solution to DSC. Moreover, under the terms of the Employment Agreement, DSC held the "sole and exclusive" right to the Solution. (See Exhibit 1, p B). However, rather than fulfill the terms of his Employment Agreement and disclose the Solution to DSC, Brown refused to disclose the Solution, and instead demanded that DSC pay Brown additional monies for the disclosure of the Solution.

12. By virtue of the Employment Agreement and DSC's employment of Brown, DSC had the exclusive rights to the Solution, and Brown was required to disclose the Solution to DSC. DSC explained to Brown his obligations in these regards under the Employment Agreement. However, Brown would not, as the Employment Agreement required, disclose the Solution to DSC. Without waiving its rights to the Solution, DSC attempted to negotiate with Brown for the disclosure of the Solution. Brown refused DSC's proposals.

13. After protracted negotiations, Brown began to threaten to market the Solution to Europe. In early April 1997, Brown made good on his threat, and spent approximately two weeks in Europe marketing the Solution. Brown has also stated that he has marketed the Solution in the United States.

14. Shortly after his return to the United States, DSC attempted one last time to reason with Brown. DSC again explained to Brown his obligations under his Employment Agreement. DSC asked him to disclose the Solution and comply with his Employment Agreement. Once again, Brown refused. Brown stated that he was prepared to flee to Europe and market the Solution. Because Brown refused to comply with the Employment Agreement, DSC terminated his employment on April 21, 1997.

15. Given this background, several things are clear: (1) Brown had not developed the Solution prior to his employment at DSC; (2) Brown conceived the Solution during his employment with DSC; (3) the Solution is directly related to "business, work, or investigations" of DSC; and thus (4) Brown has breached the terms of his Employment Agreement by refusing to disclose the Solution and by wrongfully asserting that he owned all legal rights to the Solution. Moreover, he has threatened to flee the United States and disclose the Solution to DSC's competitors. Indeed, he has already made one trip to Europe to entertain such bids. Accordingly, if Brown is not enjoined from disclosing, selling, assigning, or transferring, and from negotiating the disclosure, sale, assignment, or transfer of the Solution, DSC will suffer irreparable injury through the loss of an idea it owns.

Causes of Action

Count One - Injunctive Relief

16. DSC incorporates by reference each and every allegation contained within paragraphs 1 through 15 as if fully set forth herein.

17. DSC seeks injunctive relief from this Court pursuant to both equitable principles, Tex. R. Civ. P. 680 and Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code $ 65.011, which provides in part:
    A writ of injunction may be granted if:
    1. the applicant is entitled to the relief demanded and all or part of the relief requires the restraint of some act prejudicial to the applicant;

    2. a party performs or is about to perform or is procuring or allowing the performance of an act relating to the subject of pending litigation, in violation of the rights of the applicant, and the act would tend to render the judgment in that litigation ineffectual;

    3. the applicant is entitled to a writ of injunction under the principles of equity and the statutes of this state relating to injunctions;

    4. * * *

    5. irreparable injury to real or personal property is threatened, irrespective of any remedy at law.

18. DSC will suffer immediate and irreparable harm to its business as a proximate result of Brown's conduct. More specifically, if Brown is not enjoined from disclosing, selling, assigning, or transferring and negotiating the disclosure, sale, assignment, or transfer of the Solution developed during his employment by DSC, DSC will lose not only its exclusive right to the Solution but also the invaluable trade secret embodied in the Solution. Furthermore, if Brown is not enjoined to disclose the Solution to DSC, DSC will be deprived of its exclusive right to the Solution.

19. For the potential harm and damage that would be inflicted upon DSC, DSC has no adequate remedy at law but for the intervention of this Court. Damages will continue and to a large degree are incalculable.

20. As a result, DSC requests this Court issue an immediate temporary restraining order in this case, without notice, requiring that Brown:
    1. Be restrained and enjoined from selling, assigning, or transferring the Solution to anyone other than DSC;

    2. Be restrained and enjoined from negotiating the sale, assignment, or transfer of the Solution to anyone other than DSC;

    3. Be restrained and enjoined from disclosing or negotiating the disclosure of any information or details concerning the Solution to anyone other than DSC;

    4. Be restrained and enjoined from further developing, refining, or implementing the Solution;

    5. Be restrained and enjoined from destroying, and enjoined to preserve, any materials or records (including computer files or disks) that relate to or evidence the Solution or the marketing of the Solution;

    6. Be enjoined to disclose the Solution, in its entirety to DSC; and

    7. That the Temporary Restraining Order shall continue in effect until the conclusion of a hearing on the Temporary Injunction hereafter set, or until further order of this Court.

21. DSC also seeks and is entitled to a temporary and permanent injunction pursuant to $ 65.011 of Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code because:
    1. DSC is entitled to the relief demanded above and such relief requires the restraint of Brown from acts which will be prejudicial to DSC;

    2. Brown has violated, and upon information and belief, is about to perform actions in further violation of his Employment Agreement with DSC in violation of the rights of DSC, which action by Brown will cause DSC to lose its rights to interest in the Solution, and would render a judgment in this litigation ineffectual;

    3. DSC is entitled to a writ of injunction under the principles of equity; and

    4. Irreparable injury to DSC's rights will continue to be realized by DSC irrespective of any remedy at law.
       

22. DSC therefore requests that any temporary restraining order issued in this case be converted to a temporary injunction during the pendency of this action, and upon final trial, a permanent injunction.

Count Two - Breach of Contract

23. DSC incorporates by reference each and every allegation contained within paragraph I through 22 as if fully set forth herein.

24. By the actions described above, Brown has breached at least two contractual duties spelled out in the Employment Agreement. First, Brown has materially breached his contractual duty to "communicate .... promptly and fully all inventions (including but not limited to all matters subject to patent, i.e., processes, machines, computer programs, etc.)" developed during his employment by DSC. (See Exhibit 1, p A).

    Second, by wrongfully asserting that the Solution is his to disclose, sell, assign, or transfer, Brown has breached his contractual promise that any "inventions [will] remain the sole and exclusive property of the company (Id. at T B). In addition, Brown will have breached his contractual duties if he has disclosed the Solution to anyone.

25. When DSC hired Brown, he stated that there were not any "discoveries owned or controlled by [him]" (id- at I E). During the time he was an employee at DSC, Brown developed the Solution, which is related to DSC's business and its ongoing investigation, and which resulted from work he did for or on behalf of the company. Pursuant to his Employment Agreement, the Solution is the property of DSC.

26. Notwithstanding DSC's legal interest in and right to the Solution, Brown has threatened to market the Solution in Europe and in the United States. Brown has stated that once he takes the Solution to Europe, he will be beyond the reach of United States Courts. In fact, Brown has actually traveled to Europe and "shopped" the Solution to European investors. Accordingly, DSC prays that Brown be restrained from (1) disclosing, selling, assigning, or transferring and (2) negotiating the disclosure, sale, assignment, or transfer of the Solution to anyone other than DSC through a temporary and permanent injunction.

27. In addition, DSC would further show that such conduct by Brown constitutes a clear breach of his contract with DSC. As a direct and proximate result of such breach, DSC has suffered damages in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of the Court.

28. Moreover, as a result of the controversy arising between DSC and Brown, it has become necessary for DSC to employ the law firm of Lynn Stodghill Melsheimer & Tillotson, L.L.P. to prosecute this action. Brown should be required to pay DSC's reasonable and necessary attorneys' fees in connection with this matter.

Count Three - Declaratory Judgment

29. DSC incorporates by reference each and every allegation contained within paragraph I through 28 as if fully set forth herein.

30. As more fully described above, the Solution legally belongs to DSC, and DSC owns all legal title and interest in the Solution. Notwithstanding DSC's legal right, Brown is attempting to deprive DSC of its right to the Solution by selling it to third parties. DSC has repeatedly demanded that Brown cease such activities and disclose and assign the Solution to DSC, but he has steadfastly refused to comply. As such, a present controversy exists between DSC and Brown.

31. Pursuant to the Declaratory Judgments Act, $ 37.001 et seq. of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code (the "Act"), DSC requests this Court enter a declaratory judgment establishing the following:
    1. That DSC owns full legal title to the Solution;
       
    2. That Brown must disclose the Solution, in its entirety, to DSC;
       
    3. That Brown cannot disclose, sell, assign, or transfer the Solution to anyone other than DSC;
       
    4. That Brown cannot negotiate the disclosure, sale, assignment, or transfer the Solution to anyone other than DSC;
       
    5. That Brown cannot further develop the Solution;

32. Also pursuant to the Act, DSC requests an award of its reasonable and necessary attorneys' fees and costs of this lawsuit.

Jury Demand

33. DSC requests that all issues of fact be tried before a jury.

Relief Requested

Considering the premises, DSC requests that this court, upon final hearing, enter judgment against Brown for the following relief:

1. That a temporary restraining order be issued as requested and set forth in paragraph 20 above;

2. That Brown be cited to appear and show cause and that on such hearing, a temporary injunction be issued, enjoining Brown, his agents, servants, and employees as more fully described in paragraph 20 above,

3. That a permanent injunction be ordered on final trial of this cause, enjoining Brown, his agents, servants, and employees as more fully described in paragraph 20 above;

4. Compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial;

5. Reasonable and necessary attorneys' fees in an amount to be determined at trial;

6. Costs of suit incurred herein;

7. Pre and post judgment interest as provided by law; and .

8. Such other and further relief in law or in equity to which DSC may be justly entitled.

Respectfully submitted,


LYNN STODGHILL MELSHEIMER & TILLOTSON, L.L.P.


By: ___________________________


Michael P. Lynn, P.C.
State Bar No. 12738500
Eric W. Pinker
State Bar No. 16016550


750 North St. Paul Street
Suite 1400
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 981-3800 - Telephone
(214) 981-3839 - Telecopy


ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF
DSC COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

PLAINTIFF'S ORIGINAL PETITION AND APPLICATION FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF - Page 13 N:\WPDOCS\01256\703DOCS\ORIGINA2.PET

ATTACHMENTS:

Exhibit 1 - "Employment Agreement"

Exhibit 2 - Invention Disclosure Form for "C Source Code Regenerator"

Exhibit 3 - Request for Release on Patent Idea

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