Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

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."

Michael paused for a moment, considering Bridget's offer. He knew she meant well and her resources could significantly tilt the scales in his favor. However, something inside him hesitated. Accepting such a grand gesture felt overwhelming, and he didn't want to impose any further on Bridget's generosity.

"Bridget, I appreciate your offer more than you can imagine," Michael began, his tone sincere. "But I can't accept it. It feels like too much, and I don't want to burden you or your lawyer with this. I need to do this on my own, at least for now. If things get too complicated, I'll reconsider, I promise."

Bridget exhaled, a mixture of frustration and respect in her eyes. "Michael, it's no burden. You're fighting against someone who is trying to take credit for your hard work. It's not just about you, it's about us as well. You know if those claimants won, then there won't be any business starting, and I won't be able to finalize my investments."

"Oh don't worry, Bridget, I can handle this," Michael said confidently. "Okay, I have to hang up now, call you later."

Michael ended the call and immediately set to work, pulling up all his documents, sketches, notes, and emails related to his invention. He knew the road ahead was daunting. Intellectual property disputes were notorious for their complexity and the toll they took on inventors, both emotionally and financially. Yet, Michael felt a resolve within him, a determination to defend what's rightful to him, however formidable they might be.

January 13th, 2024.

The date of the hearing arrived, and there was already a media gathering outside the court. Three days ago, a subpoena was handed to Michael, summoning him to the court. A day after that, the claimant posted a post on every major social media platform, telling the netizens that they were the first and not Michael, which garnered a lot of attention because last month, it was the story followed by the majority of the Filipinos, as well as around the world. Now, people can watch from the comfort of their homes the legal proceedings of what would undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched intellectual property cases in recent years.

Outside the court, the people gathered outside turned their heads to one commanding vehicle approaching the entrance. It was the RAM TRX 1500. The security guards halted the vehicle with a raise of the hand. The car obliged. When the guard walked to see who was driving, the window was rolled down and the face of a well-known person in the country. It was Michael Reyes.

"Where can I park sir?" Michael Reyes asked, his voice polite but tinged with urgency.

The guard, recognizing Michael Reyes, quickly directed him to a designated parking area reserved for individuals involved in the court proceedings. Michael nodded his thanks and maneuvered the vehicle to the indicated spot.

As he stepped out of his car, Michael couldn't shake the knot of tension in his stomach. The weight of the impending legal battle pressed down on him, and he knew that the outcome of today's hearing would shape the course of his future.

Pushing aside his nerves, Michael made his way toward the courthouse entrance, ignoring the throng of reporters clamoring for his attention. Inside, the courtroom buzzed with activity as lawyers and spectators alike prepared for the proceedings to begin.

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."

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