The Lightsphere II Claim

The Lightsphere II was an invention of mine that turned out to be a big success.  It was invented about three years after separation.  When it took off, Marci claimed that she had a right to the invention because she witnessed me taking tissue paper on top of the flash.  She sought millions for her share of my company, and got $2,450.  (click to read full declaration).

Here's her deposition transcript:

Before the trial, Judge Juhas had a hearing as to whether the GFI would be valued at trial date or separation.  Typically assets are valued at date of separation to ensure that post-separation efforts belong to the separate party.  For example, if you give a live seminar years after separation, this money should be yours (not your ex's).  Same if you invented something.  This did not prevent Barbara Hammers from arguing that Marci was entitled to the money. (click here to see transcript images or PDF)

There was a discussion on record as to which way the judge was going to rule (and his finding was consistent to this discussion):

By the time trial came along, Marci had abandoned the theories of her ownership in the Lightsphere and Gary Fong Inc., then shifted the value of my seven figure value of my company claim to the garyfong.com website and via her forensic accountant Donald J. Miod, testified that the value of the website was nearly $2 million dollars.  The judge ruled $5,000!

What a tremendous waste of legal fees and court time.