Dispute Summary Paper
Business Law BUS/415
University of Phoenix
Scott Waddell
Introduction
Alternative Dispute Resolution, also known as ADR, can be used as an alternative to litigation. ADR includes many different techniques that are quickly gaining acceptance and being used in families, schools, churches and the workplace. Alternative Dispute Resolutions are becoming more popular in the judicial profession due to the ever increasing amount of cases being brought to the traditional courts. Both attorneys and judges have began to see ADR as an acceptable way of decreasing case loads in the trial courts, while still settling disputes in a fair way.
Dispute Summary
ABC Pharmaceuticals was on the verge of inventing a drug that will help control cardiac disorders. The company hired Mike Thomas to be the Chief Research Associate for Project Bromediac. Mr. Thomas came to the company as one of the leading specialists in the research field of cardiac disorders. His credentials were impeccable. It was determined that confidential information in regards to Project Bromediac has leaked to ABC's rival, XYZ pharmaceuticals. Management determined that the breach had to have come from Mike Thomas because he was the only person who knew this confidential information. Mr. Thomas was terminated from employment based on the breach of confidentiality.
What to do about the situation and how the company handles the breach has important legal issues involved. Did Mike Thomas commit intellectual property theft? If so, should the company file charges against the discharged employee? Because the company terminated the employee would he have a case for wrongful discharge? Could Mr. Th ...