Can I file a lawsuit against Facebook for using my applications?

[Brian Beal]

A year ago in May I presented 3 applications threw email that I designed with a Facebook executive who ran corporate development named Michael Brown. Since presenting it to them, they have launched them and are about to launch another I designed. He advised me to send them over and after analyzing them, he advised me they would fit into Facebook and that they could change some of the user end and put some more into it. He asked me to come work for Facebook and build them out and then cutoff communication and would not respond. The applications laid out a marketing plan and strategy for the next 3-4 years. Recently he was fired for "insider trading" on the private side according to the media and news. He used my information for his benefit as it was used to bring in the investment from Goldman Sachs. According to another executive, it might fit in further down the road and asked me about coming to work at Facebook. Once again, I heard nothing back but my applications have been used. Can I file a lawsuit against Facebook? Can I file a lawsuit against Michael Brown as he was an employee of Facebook who used my information & applications for his benefit?

[Stuart]

You can sue a ham sandwich if you want to.

Remember, when you sue for the recovery of damages, you have the burden of proving that you suffered losses, and that the defendant caused the losses.

Considering the substantial legal resources that Facebook has to defend itself from lawsuits, I'd plan on a long, drawn out, difficult, expensive and possibly unsuccessful fight.

- Stuart