Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 66 Why is it Hard to Start a Business in the Philippines?
Chapter 66 Why is it Hard to Start a Business in the Philippines?

January 10th, 2024.

”Wait? What are you talking about when someone is claiming that they were the first to design it?” Those words came from Bridget, shocked to find out about the development of the situation.

”I know, with all of the business registration and SEC in place, there is someone out there who is claiming that my invention is theirs. They’ve flagged it in the IPO, saying they have proof,” Michael explained, his voice laced with frustration.

Bridget paced back and forth, trying to process the information. ”But that’s impossible, Michael. We’ve documented every step of your invention process, and we have the patents to prove it. Who is making these claims?”

Michael sighed, running his hands through his hair. ”That’s the problem, I don’t know. But I already received a subpoena from a court. I didn’t even have the time to gather all the necessary documents for the invention, they are taking this to court.”

Michael’s revelation had thrown Bridget into a loop. The legal intricacies of patent law were complex, and the idea that someone could emerge from the woodwork with claims to Michael’s invention seemed both absurd and alarmingly plausible in the competitive world of technological advancements.

”Michael, this sounds like a serious intellectual property dispute. What are you going to do?”

”Don’t worry, I can handle myself. I will represent myself in the court. I have read every law book that I can, and I think I have a solid understanding of how to defend my invention.”

There was a moment of silence on the phone. Seconds later, Bridget spoke.

”Represent yourself? Michael, are you sure that’s wise? These legal battles can be quite intricate and demanding. I have a lawyer, a very good one, who specializes in intellectual property. I can have him represent you.”

Taking his seat at the defendant’s table, Michael took a moment to gather his thoughts. He glanced around the room, noting the stern faces of the judge and the opposing legal team. But amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces, one familiar presence stood out - Bridget, seated in the gallery with a determined expression on her face.

She nodded her head, indicating that she would support him no matter what. ”Now, Mr. Reyes, you are going to represent yourself?” the Judge asked, his voice stern yet neutral.

Michael nodded, steeling himself for the challenge ahead. ”Yes, Your Honor. I’ve prepared my case to the best of my abilities and I’m ready to defend my invention.”

The judge regarded him for a moment, then turned to the opposing party. ”And you, Mr. Johnson,” he addressed the claimant’s representative, ”are you prepared to present your case?”

Mr. Johnson, a middle-aged man in a sharp suit, stood confidently. ”Yes, Your Honor. We have substantial evidence to support our claim and we are ready to proceed.”

Oh...the name of the claimant was a man in his late twenties, seemingly a nerd-looking individual with glasses and a plump physique. He sat at the plaintiff’s table, his demeanor exuding a sense of self-assurance. His name was Stephen Go, a former employee of the Solar Dynamics Corporation. As expected, there must be some shady things going on here.

***

Meanwhile, in the main office of the Solar Dynamics Corporation. Francis sipped his cocktail, his eyes fixed on the television screen. ”Let’s see how this will go.” ***

”The defendant must now present his opening statement,” the Judge said, prompting Michael to stand up.

Before Michael could start his opening statement, he thought to himself inwardly. He has to finish this fast, he has a lot on his plate, one is visiting a potential house as a gift for his mother, and the second is his collaborative research with the University of Cambridge, there is just a lot. Why is it hard to start a business in the Philippines?

He cleared his throat and began. ”Your Honor, esteemed members of the court, today we are gathered here not just to dispute a claim over an invention, but to affirm the sanctity of truth and the essence of hard work and innovation. The case before you is a testament to what happens when ambition is not guided by integrity. My name is Michael Reyes, and I stand before you as the true inventor of the solar panel technology in question. This isn’t just about a patent or a product; it’s about the years of research, experimentation, and dedication that I have invested in developing a technology that could potentially revolutionize how we harness solar energy.

”The claimant, Mr. Stephen Go, alleges that he was the original creator of this technology. However, Your Honor, the evidence will show that I had been working on this project long before Mr. Go’s supposed ’invention.’ My documentation, prototypes, and patents—submitted to the Intellectual Property Office within the timeframe—attest to my originality and dedication. I trust that this court will uphold justice and recognize the true value of honest innovation. Thank you.”