A lock company is suing its former attorney for nearly $3 million after learning that he misled the company in a new lock project.
The Lock Company LLC, of Illinois and Missouri, filed a lawsuit on June 2 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against John Pawloski and The Law Office of John J. Pawloski LLC, claiming contract violation.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff engaged the services of the defendant seeking to purchase and produce a patent for its product called Easy Lock Dead Bolt on or about March 15, 2012.
The suit states that Pawloski informed the plaintiff on or about Nov. 11, 2013, that he was part owner of an existing lock patent and would provide that patent to the plaintiff for production. According to court documents, Pawloski had acquired a 50% interest in the patent from its original owner, Robert Viviano, in exchange for legal services.
The suit states that a lawyer representing Viviano informed the plaintiff that Pawloski had misled them regarding his ownership; and Pawloski then allegedly represented to the plaintiff that he was no longer representing them.
The Lock Company had in the meantime acquired $2.9 million worth of financing for the intended project. Claiming that Pawloski created a conflict of interest and damaged its reputation, the plaintiff alleges breach of contract, consumer fraud, failure to indemnify, legal malpractice and fiduciary breach.
The plaintiff seeks compensation in the amount of $2.9 million, plus attorneys’ fees and costs, exemplary and punitive damages.
The business is represented by Charles J. Baricevic of Chatham & Baricevic in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 15-L-322.