I was an independent sales representative in North Carolina and surrounding states for a medical equipment manufacturer for more than 3 years. The company provided a demonstration unit for me to use. In January, 2005, the company ceased operations and I lost my source of income. At the time, they owed me more than $10,000 for sales already delivered, and delivery was pending on another order that would have paid me over $5,000. That unit was never delivered to the customer. I successfully sued the parent company in Georgia small claims court for the commissions owed on the sales that were delivered.
Months after their cessation of operation, they sold the product rights to a third party and the product reentered the market under the new owners. I asked, but was not given the opportunity to join the new group. At no time since the first company's closure has there been any attempt to recover the demonstration unit that is still in my possesion in NC. Inasmuch as neither the new company nor the old one has ever asserted ownership rights to the device or attempted to get it back, I would now like to assume ownership and sell it.
Do I have a claim to ownership after over two years' abandonment? If so, what steps should I take to make it legal?
Thanks.
Months after their cessation of operation, they sold the product rights to a third party and the product reentered the market under the new owners. I asked, but was not given the opportunity to join the new group. At no time since the first company's closure has there been any attempt to recover the demonstration unit that is still in my possesion in NC. Inasmuch as neither the new company nor the old one has ever asserted ownership rights to the device or attempted to get it back, I would now like to assume ownership and sell it.
Do I have a claim to ownership after over two years' abandonment? If so, what steps should I take to make it legal?
Thanks.