May 18th, 2012 at 9:55 am
The Biggest Legal Battle In Industry History
Activision’s recent fourth-quarter SEC filing states that the initial $36 million claim against them by Jason West and Vince Zampella has grown to over $1 billion. An explanation was not given, but a summary of the claim can be read below.
“After concluding an internal human resources inquiry into breaches of contract and insubordination by two senior employees at Infinity Ward, the Company terminated its employment of Jason West and Vince Zampella on March 1, 2010.
“On March 3, 2010, West and Zampella filed a complaint against the Company in Los Angeles Superior Court for breach of contract and wrongful termination, among other claims. In their complaint, West and Zampella alleged damages, including punitive damages, in excess of $36 million, an amount they have since significantly increased during discovery to over $1 billion, as well as declaratory relief.
“On April 9, 2010, the Company filed a cross complaint against West and Zampella, asserting claims for breach of contract and fiduciary duty, among other claims. The Company is seeking damages and declaratory relief.”
-Activision/Blizzard-SEC Filings
|
The filing also states that a separate party; 38 former Infinity Ward employees (known as the Infinity Ward employee group) filed suit against Activision shortly after West and Zampella. However, this group has since been awarded $42 million in royalties as of the SEC filing – according to L.A. Times
West-Zampella vs. Activision commences on Tuesday, May 29.
