This is an odd one (to me anyway) so please bear with me.
About four years ago, I was one of three people who developed an idea based on a simple premise. We took it to the point where we were pitching it out but sadly, the whole thing fell apart for financial reasons. Sadly, before any contracts were signed although there is a lengthy email chain.
Last year, I discovered that one of the three had taken an element of the premise (and the title we came up with) and had developed it into a new project. Ironically, he involved a writer who had read through our pitch with a view to writing it for us as well as a producer who I introduced him to and was working with on another project. This producer knew about this project from previous discussions I'd had with him and had questioned the person developing it about my involvement. However, he was told that I had been offered a chance to be involved but had turned it down. This was untrue.
When I discovered the existence of this project, I told said producer that whilst I wouldn't ask him to choose between the two and decide if he wanted to continue working with me and someone who had stabbed me in the back, I did want an assurance from him that he would be able to handle both projects. He said he would and so I took him at his word. However, it soon became apparent that he couldn't and so I decided to part company with him.
Given that this project is still progressing, I'm obviously becoming curious as to what elements of our original discussions (or pitch) may have found their way into this new script. But equally, I'm wondering if I have any claim regarding the rights.
Any thoughts?
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The short answer is I doubt it. It is unfortunate but there are a lot of unscrupulous bastards in this business.
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You don't need to tell me! :-D
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Talk to entertainment lawyer about "Chain of Title:" Legit corporate buyers want a clean chain of title, or have a great law firm to win legal battles
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What Dan MaXx said. If all you had was an "idea" (and no script), and one of your partners took part of the idea, and created a new idea, and also got the writer and producer interested in the new idea, there's not much you can do. The producer has to choose between what excites him, has potential, and what doesn't. As far as the elements of the pitch/original discussion, they can be used, because it's going to get real messy about who said what, who expounded upon this or that ...
Yes Lindbergh, but in this instance I'd be quite happy to cause a mess. :-)