How do I handle a breach of contract?

Greetings! I hope this message finds you well. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you with your situation and provide you with the support you need. Thank you for your patience, and I look forward to working with you.

From a legal perspective, you likely have a strong claim for breach of contract, especially given the lengthy delay well beyond the agreed six months and their failure to honor their obligations, including returning and wiping your IP. The fact that you’ve kept detailed records of your communications and efforts to resolve the matter peacefully will serve you very well as evidence if you decide to pursue legal action.

Generally, the first step would be to send a formal demand letter outlining the breach, demanding completion or termination of the contract with return of your property, and warning of further legal action if they don’t comply. If that doesn’t work, you could consider filing a lawsuit for breach of contract and possibly for conversion or misappropriation of your intellectual property, seeking damages and an injunction to protect your rights.

Depending on your contract’s terms, you might also have arbitration or mediation options to pursue before going to court. You should definitely consult with an attorney who can review your contract, evaluate your documentation, and guide you through the best path forward — including potentially recovering your IP and damages for the delay and harm caused.

I hope I was able to help you and answer all of your questions and concerns. Is there any part of my response that you need clarification on or any further information? Did you have any other questions on this subject for me today?

I completely understand how overwhelming this can feel, especially if it’s your first time dealing with a legal issue like this. The good news is that the kind of lawyer you want for this matter is typically a contract attorney or an intellectual property attorney — especially since your issue involves both breach of contract and the handling of your intellectual property.

Sometimes you’ll find attorneys who specialize in business law or technology law who handle disputes exactly like yours.

As for contingency fees, it’s a bit less common in breach of contract cases compared to personal injury, but it’s not impossible. Many contract disputes are handled on an hourly basis or through a flat-fee arrangement because the outcome and potential recovery can be less predictable than in personal injury cases.

However, if your claim is strong and involves recoverable damages — especially if you can show the company is withholding valuable IP or has caused significant financial harm — some attorneys might be willing to take it on contingency or at least a hybrid arrangement, where they get part payment upfront and the rest contingent on winning.

Your best bet is to reach out to a few attorneys, explain your situation clearly, and ask upfront about their fee structures and whether they’d consider contingency or alternative billing. You might also find legal aid organizations or business advocacy groups that can help connect you with affordable legal assistance or even pro bono counsel if your circumstances qualify.

Lastly, even if you end up hiring an attorney on an hourly basis, you’ll want someone experienced in these types of cases to guide you — it can save you a lot of time, frustration, and money down the line.