“Nenkivell worked for CYC as a “video and social media producer.” Her work included producing videos, “websites, blogs, and social media pages” for CYC and the other two plaintiffs, which were founded by Jordan Finger. . . In 2010, Finger and Nenkivell developed a service called “whatsinurs,” which the court described as a “social media website for cosmetic products.” Ardis applied for a trademark in Whatsinurs and registered the copyright for the website. Finger sent Nenkivell an agreement for the organization and ownership of the new site, which Nenkivell never signed. Nenkivell was restless and looked around for alternate employment. Plaintiffs were unhappy about this and fired Nenkivell in June 2011. After the termination, Finger requested the laptop, which plaintiffs had provided her, and the access information for the various websites. She declined to provide this.  Plaintiffs sued and sought injunctive relief. . . The court says that it’s “uncontested that plaintiffs own the rights to the Access Information,” and as a result, Nenkivell’s retention of this information can form the basis of a conversion claim. The court also says that plaintiffs’ inability to access and update their site (“to react to online trends” and effect a new initiative to participate in “‘daily deal’ promotions”) constitutes irreparable harm. The court orders the information turned over to plaintiffs pending resolution of the dispute.”

LINK TO DECISION

(NOTE: A copy of the memorandum and order in this case is linked to on the website.)