Umberg/Zipser Delivers Trial Victory for Startup Founder in Ownership Dispute

Uncategorized

Umberg/Zipser Delivers Trial Victory for Startup Founder in Ownership Dispute

by
Umberg/Zipser LLP secured a significant trial victory in Orange County Superior Court on behalf of a startup founder who was wrongfully removed from his company by his co-founders as the business approached its first major contract. The matter was tried by partners Phil Kaplan and Ethan Feng.

Following a bench trial, the court awarded the client the full value of his remaining salary under his employment agreement, plus interest, and treble damages for the wrongful taking of his equity, along with attorneys’ fees. The client also prevailed on all cross-claims asserted against him.

The decision is notable for the court’s acceptance of the firm’s valuation of the client’s ownership interest in an early-stage company. Rejecting defendants’ argument that the equity had no value prior to revenue generation, the court credited the plaintiff’s expert analysis and determined fair market value at the time of the taking. The court also applied California Penal Code Section 496 in awarding treble damages, reinforcing a powerful remedy in cases involving wrongful appropriation of equity.

Umberg/Zipser LLP Recognized in Chambers Spotlight California 2026 for Intellectual Property and Litigation

by
IRVINE, Calif. — Umberg/Zipser LLP has been recognized in the Chambers Spotlight California 2026 guide, earning distinction in both Intellectual Property and Litigation: General Commercial. This marks the firm’s second consecutive year recognized for its Intellectual Property practice and its first year included for Litigation.
The Chambers Spotlight guide highlights outstanding small to mid-sized firms that deliver sophisticated legal services and serve as strong alternatives to larger firms. Firms are selected through independent research evaluating market presence, client work, and depth of talent.

 

 

Umberg/Zipser’s continued recognition in Intellectual Property reflects the strength of its work and exceptional value it delivers to clients in patent and trademark prosecution and portfolio strategy across technology-driven industries. The firm’s debut ranking in Litigation underscores its broad commercial litigation capabilities, including high-stakes disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, class actions, and complex business conflicts.
Mark Finkelstein, Managing Partner of Umberg/Zipser, commented, “We are very honored to be recognized by Chambers in both Intellectual Property and Litigation. This acknowledgment reflects the strength of our team and our commitment to delivering strategic, results-driven counsel across a wide range of complex matters.”
This recognition further reinforces Umberg/Zipser’s position as a leading Orange County firm providing sophisticated, business-focused legal solutions to clients ranging from entrepreneurs to multinational companies.

 

 

About Umberg/Zipser LLP
Umberg/Zipser LLP is a leading law firm based in Irvine, California. With a team of highly skilled attorneys, the firm is known for its sophisticated business litigation and intellectual property practices. The firm represents companies, entrepreneurs, and professionals in complex disputes and high-stakes IP matters, combining deep legal experience with a practical understanding of clients’ industries. Umberg/Zipser is recognized for delivering strategic, results-driven solutions tailored to each client’s business objectives.

 

About Chambers and Partners
Chambers and Partners conducts independent research into the U.S. legal market, identifying leading firms based on in-depth analysis of their experience, expertise, and client work. The Chambers Spotlight guides highlight standout small and mid-sized firms across key jurisdictions that offer high-quality legal services across a range of practice areas.

Umberg/Zipser Congratulates Partner Mei Tsang, honored as Attorney of the Year

by

On Thursday, October 17 th, the Orange County Women Lawyer Association (OCWLA) held its 48th Annual Gala at VEA/Marriott Hotel in Newport Beach, CA and Umberg/Zipser was a proud sponsor. We are pleased to announce and congratulate our partner, Mei Tsang, who was honored as Attorney of the Year for her contributions to the legal profession. We would also like to congratulate the Hon. Desirae Hutchinson for Judge of the Year, and Cox Castle & Nicholson LLP for its recognition for Advancement of Women.

U/Z is a longtime supporter of OCWLA – an organization dedicated to advancing women in the legal profession by providing a professional network, raising awareness of discrimination and bias, and supporting charitable organizations.

Umberg/Zipser Proud to Sponsor Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) 2024 Celebration

by

Umberg/ZipserLLP (U/Z) was proud to once again be a sponsor for the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) Celebration which was held on Friday, May 17th at the Pendry Newport Beach. U/Z partner, Todd Smith, has been a member of the CASA Board of Directors for many years and currently serves as its Secretary. Prior to his Board service, Todd was a CASA mentor/advocate for two years. Founded 1985, CASA OC serves over 1,000 children each year who move through the Orange County welfare system as a result of abuse and neglect. For more information on CASA, please visit https://www.casaoc.org/.

Ethan Feng Honored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County as “Coach of the Year”

by

Umberg/Zipser is proud to announce that Ethan Feng has been honored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County (CRF) as “Coach of the Year,” along with Orange County School of the Arts’ Mock Trial Team coach attorneys Melissa Brandman and Hon. Halim Dhanidina (Ret.).

Ethan and his fellow coach attorneys took this relatively young team to the CRF Mock Trial California Finals in 2023 where they finished in third place and helped advance them to the semifinals, county-wide, in 2024.

The firm is a long-standing supporter of CRF.  Both Adina Stowell and Dean Zipser have served as past presidents of CRF, and a number of the firm’s attorneys have volunteered for the organization. We look forward to continuing to offer our experience and support to the high school students participating in the program.

 

 

Umberg/Zipser Again Sponsors OCBA Charitable Fund’s Raise Your Glass Fundraiser

by

The OCBA Charitable Fund’s recent annual “Raise Your Glass” event was once again a special experience.  Umberg/Zipser (U/Z) continued to be a sponsor and our attorneys play a prominent role in the organization. Scott Garner is the Charitable Fund’s current president, Dean Zipser is a past president, and Mei Tsang has been a long-time board member. The OCBA’s mission is “To Enhance the System of Justice, To Support the Lawyers Who Serve It, and To Assist the Community Served by It.” The Charitable Fund supports programs and organizations who “assist the community served by it” through its grants. If you would like to learn more about the event, click here.

Umberg/Zipser Continues Key Roles at ABTL Annual Seminar

by
ABTL U/Z 2021

Umberg/Zipser LLP (U/Z) once again had a meaningful role in the Association of Business Trial Lawyers’ (ABTL) 47th Annual Seminar, “Evolution of Business Litigation: Adapting and Overcoming” on October 20-24, 2021. Vikki Vander Woude is an ABTL board member and served on the planning committee for the event. Hon. Halim Dhanidina (Ret.) participated on the panel and delivered one of two closing arguments at the mock trial component of the program.

U/Z attorneys are long-time supporters of the ABTL and all of the firm’s litigators are members. Dean Zipser, Scott Garner and Mark Finkelstein are former ABTL Orange County Chapter Presidents.  Adina Stowell has served on the board, and Carole Reagan is a former member of the newsletter’s editorial board. Dean, Mark, Vikki, Halim, and Adina all attended the seminar on the firm’s behalf.

Umberg/Zipser Named to Orange County Best Law Firms List for 2022

by

Umberg/Zipser LLP (U/Z) is pleased to announce that the firm again has been ranked Tier One in the “Best Law Firms” list by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® for the Orange County metropolitan area.  The ranking showcases top law firms recognized by clients and peers for delivering professional excellence and for high-quality ratings and indicate a unique combination of quality in practice and legal expertise.  The firm has received this recognition every year since its inception in 2014.

In 2022, the firm received five Tier One rankings in Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Intellectual Property Litigation, Banking & Finance Litigation, and Real Estate Litigation. The firm also received recognition in the areas of Copyright Law, Trademark Law, and Patent Litigation.

“It is an honor to work with the U/Z team of accomplished professionals who are consistently recognized as the best in their practice areas by their clients and their peers. The firm’s dedication to client service and effective strategies are what allow us to be named year after year as a top tier firm in Orange County,” said U/Z partner Dean Zipser.

In addition to the 2022 Best Law Firms ranking, attorneys Mark Finkelstein, Scott Garner, Carole Reagan, Adina Stowell, Mei Tsang, Thomas Umberg, and Dean Zipser have been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America 2022, and Brent Colasurdo has been recognized as a Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch.”

Attorneys Scott Garner and Dean Zipser have been recognized as a 2022 Orange County “Lawyer of the Year” for Intellectual Property Litigation and Bet-the-Company Litigation, respectively. The Lawyer of the Year is awarded to individual lawyers with the highest overall peer-feedback for a specific practice area and geographic region. Only one lawyer is given this recognition per specialty and location.

Priti Phukan Selected as a 2021 Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Star

by

Umberg/Zipser LLP (U/Z) is proud to announce that Priti Phukan, Ph.D. has been recognized as a 2021 Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Star for Intellectual Property. The Rising Stars list recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state.

Priti concentrates her practice on patent and trademark prosecution across various technology industries, including chemistry, life sciences, diagnostics, medical devices, and mechanical engineering. She began her career as a chemist and molecular biologist and then ultimately made the choice to start her career in patent law in 2012.

In addition to Priti’s recognition, the following U/Z attorneys have been recognized in the 2021 Southern California Super Lawyers list:

Super Lawyers’ annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.