CIGNEX Datamatics, Inc. v. Lam Research Corporation
Filing
126
MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Judge Maryellen Noreika on 4/29/2020. (dlw)
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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE
CIGNEX DATAMATICS, INC.,
Plaintiff,
v.
LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION,
Defendant.
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C.A. No. 17-320 (MN)
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Theodore A. Kittila, James G. McMillan, III, HALLORAN FARKAS + KITTILA LLP, Wilmington, DE
– attorneys for Plaintiff
Christopher P. Simon, David G. Holmes, CROSS & SIMON, LLC, Wilmington, DE – attorneys for
Defendants
April 29, 2020
Wilmington, Delaware
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NOREIKA, U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE:
This case arises out of a dispute between Plaintiff CIGNEX Datamatics, Inc. (“Plaintiff”
or “CIGNEX”) and Defendant Lam Research Corporation (“Defendant” or “Lam”) over a contract
relating to software development services CIGNEX was to provide to Lam. The Court presided
over a three-day bench trial on June 24 and 26-27, 2019. (D.I. 118-120). After trial, the parties
submitted proposed findings of fact and post-trial briefs. (See D.I. 113, 114, 115, 116, 121, 122,
123 & 124). This opinion constitutes the Court’s findings of fact and conclusions of law pursuant
to Rule 52(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
I.
BACKGROUND
On March 24, 2017, CIGNEX filed the present action, alleging that Lam breached an
agreement between the parties, whereby CIGNEX was to provide software development services
for Lam’s MyLam/PK redesign project. (D.I. 1 ¶¶ 6, 15-19). In particular, CIGNEX alleged that
it had performed all of its obligations under the parties’ agreement but Lam had refused to pay the
remainder of the amount due for work that CIGNEX performed – i.e., $434,096.71. (Id. ¶ 11). On
May 15, 2017, Lam answered and filed counterclaims for breach of contract, breach of the
covenant of good faith and fair dealing, bad faith breach of contract and unjust enrichment, seeking
recovery of at least all payments rendered to CIGNEX over the course of the project – i.e.,
$739,000. (See, e.g., D.I. 8 ¶¶ 24-47).
On December 4, 2018, Lam moved for summary judgment on CIGNEX’s breach of
contract claim, arguing that the contract was not a “time and materials” contract, but rather one
that required CIGNEX to complete the MyLam.com redesign project to be entitled to any payment.
(See D.I. 74 & 75). On February 26, 2019, the Court partially denied Lam’s motion because it
was unable to conclude on the available record that the contract was not a “time and materials”
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contract. (See D.I. 94). The Court did, however, partially grant summary judgment to Lam on one
aspect of CIGNEX’s alleged damages and reduced the damages claim by $58,000. (Id. at 6).
II.
FINDINGS OF FACT
This section contains the Court’s findings of fact on disputes raised by the parties during
trial, as well as uncontested facts to which the parties have stipulated. Certain findings of fact are
also provided in connection with the Court’s conclusions of law. (See infra § IV).
A.
The Parties
1.
CIGNEX, a Michigan limited liability company, is a commercial open-source
consulting company that provides a wide variety of clients with services and products such as open
source enterprise portals, content management, big data analytics, and e-commerce solutions.
(SUF ¶ 1; see also D.I. 1 ¶ 1). 1
2.
Lam, a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Fremont,
California, is in the business of designing, developing, marketing, selling, and supporting
equipment that is used by semiconductor manufacturers to make semiconductor chips. As part of
its business, Lam operates a website, www.MyLam.com, a web portal that Lam’s customers use
to access technical specifications and other information about Lam products, and to place orders.
(SUF ¶ 2; see also D.I. 1 ¶ 2; D.I. 8 ¶ 2).
B.
Fact Witnesses at Trial
3.
Srinivas Tadeparti was called by CIGNEX to testify at trial as a fact witness.
Mr. Tadeparti is Senior Vice President and Delivery Head at CIGNEX. (Tr. at 25:25-26:5).
1
Citations to “SUF” are to the Uncontested Facts in the Pretrial Order. (See D.I. 99 § III.A;
see also D.I. 110).
2
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4.
Harish Ramachandran was called by CIGNEX to testify at trial as a fact witness.
Mr. Ramachandran is Chief Executive Officer at CIGNEX. (Tr. at 189:24-190:3).
5.
Alana Schwermer was called by Lam to testify at trial as a fact witness.
Ms. Schwermer is a Project Manager at Lam. (Tr. at 270:17-20).
6.
Robert Ahrens was called by Lam to testify at trial as a fact witness. Mr. Ahrens is
a Senior Program Manager at Lam. (Tr. at 346:12-15).
7.
Tim Kolsrud was called by Lam to testify at trial as a fact witness. Mr. Kolsrud is
a Senior Program manager at Lam. (Tr. at 419:10-16).
8.
Bradley Estes was called by Lam to testify at trial as a fact witness. Mr. Estes is
Senior Director of Knowledge and Event Services at Lam. (Tr. at 480:21-481:1).
C.
The Master Services Agreement and Original Scope of Work
9.
Lam’s MyLam.com is an online library of documents related to Lam’s products,
used by Lam and its customers. (See Tr. at 270:23-271:3, 348:20-21, 420:6-20). Lam needed to
upgrade MyLam.com because, in part, it was no longer going to be supported by Microsoft, and it
was outdated. (Id. at 421:3-14). Lam also wanted to consolidate the portal used by employees
with the portal used by its customers into one MyLam.com portal. (Id. at 421:15-20).
10.
After searching for potential vendors to redesign its MyLam.com portal, Lam
selected CIGNEX to perform the update. (Tr. at 271:10-276:9).
11.
CIGNEX and Lam entered into a “Contract for Independent Contractor or
Consultant Services” (“the Master Services Agreement” or “the Agreement”), dated
October 28, 2014, whereby CIGNEX was to provide certain software development for Lam’s
MyLam/PK redesign project. 2 (SUF ¶ 3; see also PTX-44, Ex. A ¶ 1). The Agreement was
2
PK refers to a part of the old MyLam system. (See, e.g., Tr. at 32:9-13 & 427:3-12).
3
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executed on October 28, 2014 by Bradley Estes, on behalf of Lam, and by Rajesh Devidasani,
Corporate Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Operations, for Divya Kumat, on
behalf of CIGNEX. (PTX-44 at pg. 4).
12.
The Agreement provided that, in exchange for CIGNEX’s services on the
MyLam.com redesign project, Lam would pay fees to CIGNEX according to the relevant
Statement(s) of Work. (PTX-44 ¶¶ 1-2; see also id., Ex. A). As to the services, the Agreement
further provided that CIGNEX would provide “such services as may be necessary to complete in
a professional manner the project described as follows: Software integration, and POC [Proof of
Concept], for MyLam/PK Redesign Project.” (PTX-44, Ex. A ¶ 1). Lam was obligated to pay
CIGNEX within thirty days of each undisputed invoice for the project. (PTX-44 ¶ 4). The
Agreement also required waivers, modifications and amendments to the contract terms to be in
writing and signed by the party to be charged (i.e., Lam). (Id. ¶ 20).
13.
After the Agreement was signed, CIGNEX undertook the Proof of Concept
referenced in the Agreement, which required CIGNEX to provide design and objectives for the
Project, including security, user security access controls, vendor capabilities and sample of
technical features in the web portal. (SUF ¶ 4). CIGNEX had to demonstrate that it had the skill
and capability to satisfactorily deliver those features, and this information was presented in
“Statement of Work – LAM 001,” also referred to as “SOW 1.” (SUF ¶ 4). Lam paid CIGNEX
$10,000 for the Proof of Concept, and Lam thought CIGNEX “did a very good job on” the Proof
of Concept. (Tr. at 274:17-20; id. at 423:18-424:1).
14.
After completion of the Proof of Concept, the parties executed “Statement of Work
– LAM 002,” dated January 16, 2015 (“SOW 2”). (SUF ¶ 5). Ms. Kumat executed SOW 2 on
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behalf of CIGNEX. (SUF ¶ 6; see also JTX-2 at pg. 14). Mr. Estes executed SOW 2 on behalf of
Lam. (SUF ¶ 6; see also JTX-2 at pg. 14).
15.
SOW 2 set forth the scope of the work that CIGNEX was to perform for the
MyLam.com redesign project, as well as the estimated cost of the project. (See generally JTX-2).
SOW 2 expressly incorporated the terms and conditions of the Master Services Agreement. (Id.
at pg. 1). Further, SOW 2 provided that the project was to be done on a “time and material” basis.
(Id. (“4. Terms & Conditions: Time and Material”)). The project was to occur over several phases
and was estimated to take twenty to twenty-five weeks. (Id. at pg. 7 (“8. Project plan and Phases”);
see also id. at pg. 1 (“5. Duration: Between 20 to 25 weeks from project start date”); PTX-43 at
pg. 3 (approximate “Go Live” date in June / July 2015)). 3 SOW 2 also provided that the estimated
cost of the project would be $593,376. (Id. at pg. 12 (“Estimated efforts and Cost” less a 3.654%
discount yielding estimated cost of $593,376)).
16.
The total cost of the work set forth in SOW 2 was broken down by phase, and the
proposal included a “Rate Card” that indicated the hourly rate of various people associated with
the project. (JTX-2 at pg. 12). SOW 2 specifically stated that “[t]he staffing, schedule and cost
estimates presented in this proposal are based upon a number of assumptions . . . [and] [c]hanges
to these assumptions will affect the overall cost and delivery schedules of this proposal.” (Id. at
pg. 10). After the detailed cost breakdown, SOW 2 provided: “This is a Time and Materials
(T&M) estimate. The time allotted can be used, increased or decreased as needed for budgeting,
project burn down purposes or otherwise.” (Id. at pg. 13).
3
The “Go Live” date is the date on which the redesigned MyLam.com would be complete
and available for its intended use. (See Tr. at 286:16-23).
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17.
SOW2 set forth a series of “CIGNEX Deliverables” to be provided as the project
progressed. (JTX-2 at pgs. 10-11). SOW 2 also provided that CIGNEX “will walk through the
deliverables with Lam and Lam will review and provide feedback to the CIGNEX team within
five (5) Business days of deliverable submission.” (Id. at pg. 10). Any changes to the scope of
SOW 2 were to be made “using project change management tools and procedures duly signed off
by the Lam and CIGNEX representatives.” (Id. at pg. 17). These changes would ultimately take
the form of a formal written “Change Request” or “CR,” which contained a description of the
change, a price for the change and a statement about the impact of the change on schedule. The
parties agreed to work together “to absorb variations from initial functional requirements and
discuss trade-offs to balance between scope, schedule and resources (budget).” (Id.).
D.
Software Requirements Specifications
18.
The first step under SOW 2 was for CIGNEX to draft a document called a Software
Requirements and Specifications (“SRS”). (SUF ¶ 7; see also JTX-2 at pg. 7). In general, the
purpose of an SRS is “to record all the requirements from a functional and technical perspective.”
(Tr. at 425:6-7). An SRS is effectively a “blueprint” for developers to use in the process of building
a site. (Id. at 425:7-8).
19.
The SRS for the MyLam.com redesign project was the first “CIGNEX Deliverable”
in SOW 2, and it was part of the first phase of the project that would, inter alia, “[d]etail out
existing use case and requirement at functional level . . . [and] . . . [c]apture Non functional
requirement.” (JTX-2 at pg. 7, 10). The SRS was supposed to capture all of the features that Lam
wanted to be included in the redesigned MyLam.com. (See, e.g., Tr. at 35:4-36:10). CIGNEX
expected Lam to provide the final requirements and approval on the SRS before the project was to
begin. (See Tr. at 35:4-11; PTX-43 at pg. 10; see also Tr. at 425:22-426:20).
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20.
One project manager at Lam expressed doubt to CIGNEX that review of the SRS
was necessary or feasible for CIGNEX to begin work on the MyLam.com project. (See Tr. at
540:4-11 (discussing PTX-182)). Another project manager at Lam understood the SRS to be a
“living document” that would continue to be revised and updated as the project evolved.
(See Tr. at 315:9-10). Yet another project manager at Lam said that the SRS “was a constant back
and forth” and, further, that CIGNEX struggled with quality and clarity in the SRS drafting
process. (Tr. at 430:18-431:7).
21.
Although the parties exchanged multiple drafts of the SRS, Lam never signed the
SRS. (SUF ¶¶ 8-9; see also DTX-108 at pg. 3 (version 2.6 of the SRS, which lists the various
versions of the SRS)). Despite Lam never signing the SRS, CIGNEX proceeded to start
development work on the MyLam.com redesign project. (See, e.g., Tr. at 432:22-433:21). The
last draft of the SRS was dated February 2016, over a year after the project started. (See SUF ¶ 8).
E.
CIGNEX Starts Work, Issues Arise and the Original Project Scope Changes
22.
Pursuant to the agreed-upon SOW 2, CIGNEX used an “agile” method of software
development for the MyLam.com project, whereby CIGNEX delivered components – known in
the industry as “Sprints” – one or more at a time. (See Tr. at 33:21-34:12, 201:17-23). A Sprint
allows a software development project to be broken into smaller pieces to focus on “one type of
functionality and build it from a development standpoint, test it, [and] make sure it all works”
before moving onto the next functionality. (Tr. at 434:8-15). CIGNEX originally estimated that
the MyLam.com project would require only four Sprints for completion. (See PTX-43 at pg. 7;
see also JTX-2 at pg. 7 (“4 Sprints” depicted in chart under “8. Project plan and Phases”)).
23.
At some point after CIGNEX began work on the project, issues developed that
necessitated a change in scope (and duration of the project). In March 2015, CIGNEX and Lam
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agreed to change requests known as CR-1 and CR-2. (SUF ¶ 10; see also JTX-43 & JTX-44).
CR-1 did not change the ultimate projected end date, but it added $33,661 to the overall cost.
(JTX-43 at pg. 2). CR-2 added Sprint 5 to the project, as well as four weeks to the project timeline
and an additional $60,651.
(JTX-44 at pg. 4).
Both CR-1 and CR-2 were executed on
April 9, 2015 by Mr. Estes on behalf of Lam. (See JTX-43 at pg. 2; JTX-44 at pg. 4).
24.
Then, in June 2015, CIGNEX and Lam agreed to a change request known as CR-3.
(SUF ¶ 11; see also JTX-45). CR-3 added another $93,760 to the cost of the MyLam.com project
and moved the projected end date to October 9, 2015, which added roughly four weeks to the
previous timeline. (See JTX-45 at pg. 3). CR-3 was executed on June 11, 2015 by Mr. Estes on
behalf of Lam. (JTX-45 at pg. 4). In terms of necessary work on the project, CR-3 added twofactor authentication and “a very specific kind of authorization and approval process for
administrative log-in.” (Tr. at 56:8-24). These changes were known as Sprint 6.
25.
CIGNEX also attempted to obtain Lam’s approval for two additional change
requests: CR-4 and CR-5. Together, CR-4 and CR-5 were known as Sprint 7 for the MyLam.com
project. (See, e.g., Tr. at 57:10-58:15; PTX-297 at pg. 1; see also Tr. at 210:2-15 (“CR 3” in table
of PTX-297 is a typographical error and should read as “CR-5”)).
26.
Negotiations about CR-4 were ongoing as of at least December 2015. (See PTX-
297 at pg. 1). Unlike with the previous change requests, there is no standalone written proposal
for CR-4. (See DTX-108 at pgs. 52-63 (specifications of CR-4 set forth in draft of SRS)). Through
CR-4, CIGNEX proposed to add $92,800 to the overall cost of the project, which Lam rejected
and counteroffered $66,971. (See PTX-297 at pg. 1). Lam rejected the proposed additional costs
because it believed one item included in CR-4 was already included in a previous agreement.
(See, e.g., Tr. at 58:16-25, 209:14-210:1, 211:17-212:1). In response to Lam’s counteroffer,
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CIGNEX proposed $82,468 for CR-4. (PTX-297 at pg. 1). Lam never agreed in writing (signed
or otherwise) to this counteroffer or the scope of work of CR-4.
27.
CR-5 proposed to add an additional $23,345 to the cost of the project but without
any delay in the time to completion. (See PTX-204 at pg. 2). On January 11, 2016, after CIGNEX
sent the CR-5 proposal to Lam, Mr. Estes asked for clarification as to what approval meant in the
case of CR-5. (PTX-229 at pg. 3). He further said that he approved “the scope of the work and
$$” but did not return an executed copy of the CR-5 proposal. (Id.). In response, CIGNEX
requested a signed copy of CR-5, as signature approval was customarily done by Lam. (Id. at pg.
2). After that point, the parties apparently continued to discuss the details of CR-5 and CIGNEX
updated the document “with all the feedback requested” by Lam. (Id.; see also id. at pg. 1 (Lam
managers still reviewing CR-5 in March 2016)). Lam never agreed to CR-5 in a signed writing.
F.
Lam Stops Paying, CIGNEX Keeps Working and the Project Ultimately Ends
28.
Between February 2015 and June 2015, CIGNEX issued invoices to Lam for time
and materials that CIGNEX provided to Lam on the MyLam.com project. (SUF ¶ 15). Also
between February 2015 and July 2015, Lam paid CIGNEX $665,985 on these invoices issued by
CIGNEX. (SUF ¶ 16). These invoices corresponded to CIGNEX work performed through the
end of June 2015. By July 2015, the month the project was originally expected to end (see JTX-2
at pg. 1; PTX-43 at pg. 3), the “Go Live” date for the MyLam.com redesign had already been
moved several times, ultimately resulting in a projected end date of October 2015 (JTX-45 at
pg. 3).
29.
As of mid-July 2015, Lam had not tested any of CIGNEX’s work. (Tr. at 437:24-
438:4). The testing process involved CIGNEX first performing internal testing on the code and
functionalities of MyLam.com before releasing test cases to Lam, which would then do additional
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testing (i.e., unit testing). (Tr. at 439:17-20; see also Tr. at 350:24-351:10). Lam attempted to
schedule a meeting for July 7, 2015 for CIGNEX to demonstrate Sprints 4 and 5 but CIGNEX
postponed the meeting because of problems they found during internal testing. (DTX-19 at pg. 1).
30.
Lam brought Mr. Ahrens onto the project in July 2015 to be the test coordinator.
(Tr. at 349:8-13). Once Lam began unit testing in the July timeframe, it was apparent that there
were numerous defects in the work performed by CIGNEX so far. (See, e.g., JTX-24). Any issues
or problems discovered with code released by CIGNEX would be entered as a “ticket” into the
JIRA system provided by CIGNEX. (Tr. at 351:20-352:25). Both parties had access to the JIRA
system to monitor and document issues with code development. (SUF ¶ 13; see also Tr. at 354:1522 (Mr. Ahrens testifying that CIGNEX apparently had its own JIRA system to monitor issues
discovered internally)).
31.
In addition to logging issues in tickets via the JIRA system, Lam would also
communicate problems discovered in testing via email and status reports. (See Tr. at 367:15-20
(Mr. Ahrens testifying he would communicate with CIGNEX almost daily); see also JTX-24,
DTX-31, DTX-34 & DTX-37)). Even if an issue flagged in a ticket was considered resolved, it
would sometimes resurface as a problem in future testing. (Tr. at 357:6-358:17, 358:24-359:25).
In fact, when Lam began testing for Sprints 4, 5 and 6, there were still open tickets for unresolved
issues in Sprints 1, 2 and 3. (See, e.g., Tr. at 372:3-373:13; see also DTX-34 at pg. 1 (seventh
ticket ever opened in JIRA system still unresolved as testing on Sprints 4-6 underway)).
Throughout the testing phase, Lam entered at least 500 tickets into the JIRA system. (Tr. at
354:15-17).
32.
Shortly after Lam began unit testing in July 2015, CIGNEX sent a status report to
Lam that indicated the project was no longer on track for completion by the expected deadline.
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(See, e.g., DTX-24 at pg. 3 (moving deadline for completion of Sprint 6 – i.e., CR-3 – by almost
three months)). In that status report, the project “health” was indicated with an amber color, which
meant the project was not progressing as planned. (See id. at pg. 2 (amber circle next to “Project
Health”); see also Tr. at 204:21-205:17).
33.
In August 2015, Lam told CIGNEX that it would not accept or pay any further
invoices until CIGNEX could demonstrate that it could complete milestones as presented.
(SUF ¶ 17; see also Tr. at 284:13-15). CIGNEX nevertheless continued to work on the project
despite not being paid. (SUF ¶ 18).
34.
On September 15, 2015, CIGNEX sent a recovery plan that included details on how
to correct the issues in the project so far and get the project back on track. (See DTX-28). This
recovery plan moved the projected “Go Live” date to November 14, 2015. (Id. at pg. 3). Despite
this revised date, not even unit testing 4 was completed by the end of November 2015.
35.
On December 2, 2015, CIGNEX presented another “recovery plan” to Lam called
the “Go-Green Plan,” which moved the completion date to late March 2016. (DTX-40 at pg. 3;
see also SUF ¶¶ 20-21). CIGNEX’s Go-Green Plan indicated that there were still issues in
Sprints 1-6 requiring resolution and unit testing for all seven sprints was now to be completed by
February 12, 2016. (DTX-40 at pg. 2). Additionally, the Go-Green Plan demonstrated that
Sprint 7 (i.e., CR-4 and CR-5) was still in development, with that development projected to end
by December 30, 2015. (Id. at pg. 2). Lam expressed frustration with the continued delays.
(See JTX-8 at pg. 1 (“It is not ideal to keep pushing the date out, however we need to be realistic
4
In the MyLam.com redesign, unit testing was a prerequisite to integration testing, which
was a prerequisite to user acceptance testing (all of which were prerequisites to
MyLam.com going live). (See, e.g., JTX-2 at pgs. 7-9).
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on what it takes to be successful. If this is what it takes then lets [sic] capture this and then ensure
we execute.”)).
36.
In January 2016, CIGNEX informed Lam that the March 2016 “Go Live” date from
the Go-Green Plan would be delayed again. (SUF ¶ 22; see also Tr. at 501:19-23). Shortly
thereafter, Subrumanian Pillai, the original manager on the CIGNEX side (PTX-43 at pg. 5), left
the project and was replaced by Mr. Tadeparti (Tr. at 64:24-65:3, 212:25-213:12 & 501:21-502:2;
see also SUF ¶ 23).
37.
On April 27, 2016, Lam presented a summary of the MyLam.com redesign status
so far, along with information regarding missed milestones, new proposed dates for those
milestones and the impact of the continued delay on Lam’s business. (See generally DTX-54). In
Lam’s view, at this point in time, the project was no farther along than it had been in July 2015.
(See Tr. at 511:23-24). In this presentation, the “Go Live” date for MyLam.com was moved again
to late July 2016 based on information provided by CIGNEX. (DTX-54 at pg. 9 & 12; see also
Tr. at 512:15-22, 513:11-13).
38.
In June 2016, after CIGNEX missed the deadline to complete all Sprint testing
(DTX-54 at pg. 11), Lam decided to retain independent consultants to review the work performed
by CIGNEX to date and determine whether continued collaboration with CIGNEX could lead to
a finished (and viable) product (see Tr. at 514:5-515:24). In July and August 2016, three
consultants provided feedback to Lam in the form of reports, and all of the consultants generally
concluded that the product being developed by CIGNEX was “at high risk.” (See DTX-13, DTX14 & DTX-15; see also Tr. at 516:18-517:24, 523:21-524:15). The consultants identified security
issues with CIGNEX’s work, as well as concerns that the new MyLam.com would already be
obsolete when completed (or shortly after completion). (Tr. at 516:25-517:20). Lam paid over
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$112,000 for the work performed by the three consultants. (Tr. at 516:15-17, 519:17-520:3; see
also DTX-16).
39.
After receiving reports from the three consultants, Lam approached CIGNEX with
the concerns raised in the reports. (Tr. at 519:4-16). CIGNEX believed that it could overcome
any issues and the parties continued work on the MyLam.com redesign project. (Id.). Then, on
August 1, 2016, CIGNEX contacted Lam to resume discussions about payment and, in particular,
Lam’s proposal to link payment to milestone completions. (DTX-62 at pg. 1). CIGNEX noted
that there had been no “firm resolution” on that proposal and expressed a desire to meet to reach
agreement on outstanding tasks and launch dates, as well as for “release of a major portion of the
outstanding invoices immediately.” (Id.). Lam agreed that a meeting was necessary, noting that
another “several months ha[d] passed and milestones . . . still ha[d] not been achieved.” (Id.).
40.
On August 5, 2016, Lam issued a stop-work order to CIGNEX for the MyLam.com
redesign project. (DTX-65 at pg. 1). The stop-work order issued because of a “third security
vulnerability” from CIGNEX’s work, which was discovered by Lam on July 29, 2016. (See, e.g.,
DTX-65 at pg. 1; Tr. at 525:10-526:14). The security issue arose because CIGNEX did not set up
a network firewall environment correctly and, as a result, Lam’s documents were exposed to the
general web. (Tr. at 526:3-12). In response to a request for clarification from CIGNEX, Lam
(through Mr. Estes) indicated that the stop work order was “a temporary halt” and that “Lam and
CIGNEX team members should still continue to work together.” (PTX-252 at pg. 1).
41.
CIGNEX and Lam worked together to resolve the security issue despite the stop-
work order, and the security issue was eventually resolved. (Tr. at 526:20-527:7). CIGNEX did
not perform any further development work on the MyLam.com redesign project after that point.
42.
CIGNEX’s work on the project never went “live” on MyLam.com. (SUF ¶ 25).
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G.
CIGNEX’s Outstanding Invoices that Remain Unpaid
43.
CIGNEX billed additional costs from the agreed-upon CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3 to
Lam in Invoice Nos. 21254 and 21475, totaling $232,039.71. (See PTX-375 at pgs. 15-19; see also
PTX-297). Invoice Nos. 21254 and 21475 set forth a breakdown of the hours spent by various
individuals in connection with the work performed in July and August 2015. (See PTX-375 at
pgs. 15-19).
44.
CIGNEX ultimately billed the additional cost from CR-4 to Lam in Invoice No.
30513, totaling $99,737, but without any breakdown of time or materials spent in connection with
CR-4. (See PTX-375 at pg. 23; see also SUF ¶ 24). Another version of Invoice No. 30513 sets
forth items purportedly worked on by CIGNEX in connection with CR-4. (See PTX-256).
45.
CIGNEX ultimately billed the additional cost from CR-5 to Lam in Invoice No.
30514, totaling $23,345, but again without any breakdown of time or materials spent in connection
with CR-5. (See PTX-375 at pg. 24; JTX-42; see also SUF ¶ 24). Another version of Invoice No.
30514 sets forth items purportedly worked on by CIGNEX in connection with CR-5.
(See PTX-257).
46.
On September 15, 2016, CIGNEX sent a letter to Lam requesting payment of three
overdue invoices: Invoice Nos. 21254, 21475 and 30104. (See JTX-41). These invoices were
dated August 21, 2015, October 29, 2015, and May 11, 2016, respectively, and together they
totaled $290,839.71. (Id.).
47.
On September 30, 2016, CIGNEX issued the following three invoices “due upon
receipt”: Invoice No. 30512 in the amount of $20,175.00 (for LAM User Training); Invoice No.
30513 in the amount of $99,737.00 (for CR-4); and Invoice No. 30514 in the amount of $23,345.00
(for CR-5). (SUF ¶ 24).
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48.
Lam never paid Invoice Nos. 21254 and 21475 (together, constituting work for
CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3). (See, e.g., JTX-41). Lam never paid Invoice No. 30513 (CR-4).
(SUF ¶ 24). Lam never paid Invoice No. 30514 (CR-5). (SUF ¶ 24). 5
III.
LEGAL STANDARDS
A.
Breach of Contract
To prevail on a claim of breach of contract under Delaware law, 6 a plaintiff must prove:
(1) existence of a contract, (2) defendant breached an obligation imposed by the contract and
(3) plaintiff suffered damages from the breach. See VLIW Tech., LLC v. Hewlett-Packard Co.,
840 A.2d 606, 612 (Del. 2003). In Delaware, a valid contract exists when the parties intended to
be bound by the contract, the contractual terms are sufficiently definite and the parties exchange
legal consideration. See Osborn ex rel. Osborn v. Kemp, 991 A.2d 1153, 1158 (Del. 2010). “A
contract is sufficiently definite and certain to be enforceable if the court can—based upon the
agreement’s terms and applying proper rules of construction and principles of equity—ascertain
what the parties have agreed to do.” Eagle Force Holdings, LLC v. Campbell, 187 A.3d 1209,
1232 (Del. 2018). Moreover, to be enforceable, a contract must contain all material terms. Id. at
1230; see also Osborn, 991 A.2d at 1159.
Interpretation of a contract is ultimately a question of law. “When interpreting a contract,
the role of a court is to effectuate the parties’ intent,” and “a combination of the parties’ words and
5
Invoice No. 30104 is no longer an issue, as that invoice relates to the Alfresco license
addressed in the Court’s summary judgment opinion. (See D.I. 94 at 9). Additionally, the
$20,175 due under Invoice No. 30512 (for Lam user training) does not appear to be part of
CIGNEX’s damages request. CIGNEX requests $355,121.71 in damages (see D.I. 115 at
20), which is the sum of amounts due under Invoice Nos. 21254, 21475, 30513 and 30514
(CR-1 through CR-5).
6
The Agreement states that it is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware (PTX-44 ¶¶
17-18), and the parties do not dispute that Delaware law applies to the claims in this action.
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the plain meaning of those words where no special meaning is intended” constrains a court in its
interpretation of that contract. Lorillard Tobacco Co. v. Am. Legacy Found., 903 A.2d 728, 739
(Del. 2006). “If a writing is plain and clear on its face, i.e., its language conveys an unmistakable
meaning, the writing itself is the sole source for gaining an understanding of intent.” City Investing
Co. Liquidating Tr. v. Cont’l Cas. Co., 624 A.2d 1191, 1198 (Del. 1993). In situations where the
contract terms are ambiguous, however, the Court must look beyond the four corners of the
contract to determine the parties’ intentions. See AT&T Corp. v. Lillis, 953 A.2d 241, 253
(Del. 2008). “[W]hen there is uncertainty in the meaning and application of contract language, the
reviewing court must consider the evidence offered in order to arrive at a proper interpretation of
contractual terms.” Eagle Indus., Inc. v. DeVilbiss Health Care, Inc., 702 A.2d 1228, 1232
(Del. 1997). In construing ambiguous terms, the Court may look to, inter alia, prior agreements,
communications between the parties and course of conduct among the parties. See id. at 1233.
B.
Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
Under Delaware law, an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing inheres in every
contract. See TL of Fla., Inc. v. Terex Corp., 54 F. Supp. 3d 320, 329 (D. Del. 2014). “The implied
covenant of good faith and fair dealing involves a ‘cautious enterprise,’ inferring contractual terms
to handle developments or contractual gaps that the asserting party pleads neither party
anticipated.” Nemec v. Shrader, 991 A.2d 1120, 1125 (Del. 2010) (quoting Dunlap v. State Farm
Fire & Cas. Co., 878 A.2d 434, 441 (Del. 2005)). “[T]he implied covenant requires ‘a party in a
contractual relationship to refrain from arbitrary or unreasonable conduct which has the effect of
preventing the other party to the contract from receiving the fruits’ of the bargain.” Dunlap, 878
A.2d at 442 (quoting Wilgus v. Salt Pond Inv. Co., 498 A.2d 151, 159 (Del. Ch. 1985)). A party
is liable for breaching this implied covenant when its conduct frustrates the overall purpose of the
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contract “by taking advantage of their position to control implementation of the agreement’s
terms.” Dunlap, 878 A.2d at 442. The Delaware Supreme Court has cautioned, however, that the
implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing should only rarely be used to imply terms in a
contract. See, e.g., Aspen Advisors LLC v. United Artists Theatre Co., 861 A.2d 1251, 1259
(Del. 2004); Cincinnati SMSA Ltd. P’ship v. Cincinnati Bell Cellular Sys. Co., 708 A.2d 989, 992
(Del. 1998).
C.
Unjust Enrichment
“Unjust enrichment is defined as the unjust retention of a benefit to the loss of another, or
the retention of money or property of another against the fundamental principles of justice or equity
and good conscience.” Schock v. Nash, 732 A.2d 217, 232 (Del. 1999) (citation and internal
quotation marks omitted). To prevail on a claim of unjust enrichment, a plaintiff must prove:
(1) an enrichment, (2) an impoverishment, (3) there is a relation between the enrichment and
impoverishment, (4) absence of justification and (5) absence of remedy at law. See Nemec,
991 A.2d at 1130. Unjust enrichment is thus an equitable remedy.
As to the interplay between a claim of breach of contract and a claim of unjust enrichment,
“[c]ourts developed unjust enrichment, or quasi-contract, as a theory of recovery to remedy the
absence of a formal contract.” ID Biomedical Corp. v. TM Techs., Inc., No. 13269, 1995 WL
130743, at *15 (Del. Ch. Mar. 16, 1995). “It is a well-settled principle of Delaware law that a
party cannot recover under a theory of unjust enrichment if a contract governs the relationship
between the contesting parties that gives rise to the unjust enrichment claim.” Vichi v. Koninklijke
Philips Elecs. N.V., 62 A.3d 26, 58 (Del. Ch. 2012).
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IV.
DISCUSSION
A.
CIGNEX and Lam’s Breach of Contract Claims
CIGNEX alleges that Lam breached the Agreement by failing to pay for the amounts due
under CR-1, CR-2, CR-3, CR-4 and CR-5, whereas Lam alleges that CIGNEX breached the
Agreement (and breached it in bad faith) by failing to complete the MyLam.com redesign project.
(See D.I. 115 at 15-19; see also D.I. 113 at 3-8). Because both CIGNEX’s and Lam’s breach of
contract claims largely turn on whether the Agreement was a “time and materials” contract, as
opposed to a “fixed price” contract that obligated CIGNEX to deliver the completed MyLam.com
project in order to receive compensation, the Court must first address the type of contract at issue
here.
On the record available at summary judgment, the Court was unable to determine
definitively whether the Agreement was a “time and materials” contract. (See D.I. 94). Having
now reviewed the evidence presented at trial, the Court concludes that the Agreement was a “time
and materials” contract. The language of the Agreement itself suggests that both parties intended
CIGNEX to perform services and be compensated for those services as it worked on the
MyLam.com redesign project. (See, e.g., PTX-44 at pg. 1 (“The Description of Work, which is
Exhibit A to this Contract, describes the services that [CIGNEX] will perform and the fees which
[Lam] will pay in return.” (emphasis added)); id., Ex. A ¶ 1 (“Services to be Provided: Contractor
shall render such services as may be necessary to complete in a professional manner the project
described as follows:
Software integration, and POC, for MyLam/PK Redesign Project.”)
(emphasis added)). SOW 2, which is integrated into the Agreement, states that the contractual
relationship between the parties was a time and materials one: “Terms & Conditions: Time and
Material.” (JTX-2 at pg. 1; see also id. at pg. 13 (“This is a Time and Materials (T&M)
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estimate.”)). These contractual provisions suggest that the parties intended CIGNEX to perform
services on the MyLam.com redesign project and, in turn, Lam would compensate CIGNEX for
those services.
Moreover, testimony elicited at trial provided further clarity that the parties intended (and
understood) the Agreement to be a “time and materials” contract, whereby CIGNEX would
provide services for the MyLam.com redesign and Lam would pay for those services on a “time
and material” basis. Indeed, witness testimony from both sides at trial makes clear that the parties
considered the Agreement to be a “time and materials” contract. (See, e.g., Tr. at 43:8-46:13,
49:20-50:25 (Mr. Tadeparti testifying that Agreement provided for work on “time and materials”
basis); Tr. at 198:16-24 & 214:8-11 (Mr. Ramachandran testifying that the Agreement was “time
and materials” and never transitioned to “fixed price”); Tr. at 304:24-305:8 (Ms. Schwermer
admitting the Agreement was not a “fixed price contract” and instead was a “time and materials”
contract”); Tr. at 533:2-19 (Mr. Estes admitting that the Agreement “started out” as a “time and
materials” contract and Lam “never renegotiated” it to be a “fixed price” contract); see also
PTX-217 at pg. 2 (Lam employee stating in email that the SOW “is a time and materials
agreement”)). Thus, the Agreement is properly considered a “time and materials” contract and not
a “fixed price” contract. Having concluded this, the Court now addresses the breach of contract
claims asserted by each party.
1.
CIGNEX’s Breach of Contract Claim
CIGNEX argues that Lam breached the Agreement by failing to pay for the amounts due
under the five change requests: CR-1, CR-2, CR-3, CR-4 and CR-5. (See D.I. 115 at 15-19). As
for CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3, CIGNEX asserts that Lam agreed to and executed these change requests
in writing and thus Lam is liable for the additional costs associated with the change requests. (Id.
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at 16; see also PTX-43, PTX-44 & PTX-45). The additional costs from CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3
were billed to Lam in Invoice Nos. 21254 and 21475, totaling $232,039.71. (See PTX-375 at pgs.
15-19; see also PTX-297). These invoices are dated August 21, 2015 and October 29, 2015, and
they both set forth the amount of time spent by various CIGNEX individuals on certain phases of
the project, along with their hourly rates. (See PTX-375 at pgs. 15-19). As to CR-4 and CR-5,
although these were not agreed to and executed in writing, CIGNEX nevertheless argues that Lam
agreed to these change requests (or at least knew that they were necessary) and therefore the
amounts due under the requests are owed to CIGNEX. (See D.I. 115 at 16-19). The additional
costs from CR-4 and CR-5 were billed to Lam on September 30, 2016 in Invoice Nos. 30513 and
30514, totaling $123,082.00. (See, e.g., PTX-375 at pgs. 23-24; JTX-42; see also SUF ¶ 24). All
of these invoices remain unpaid. According to CIGNEX, Lam has breached the Agreement by
failing to pay for the costs associated with CR-1, CR-2, CR-3, CR-4 and CR-5 and, as a result,
CIGNEX is entitled to $355,121.71. (See D.I. 115 at 20). 7
The five change requests at issue were modifications to the scope of the MyLam.com
redesign project, and the changes often included additional costs to the original estimate. As such,
the Court understands (and the parties do not seem to dispute) that these change requests were
effectively modifications to the terms of the Agreement and the scope of the project set forth in
SOW 2. Therefore, to be valid and enforceable amendments to the terms of the parties’ agreement,
the change requests must comply with the requirements of the Agreement and SOW 2 (and include
agreement on the material terms). The Agreement provided that waivers, modifications and
7
As to CR-4, CIGNEX argues that it should at least receive $66,971.00, which is the amount
the Lam offered to pay as negotiations over CR-4 progressed. (See D.I. 115 at 17-18;
see also PTX-297 at pg. 1). In that case, the total damages requested by CIGNEX would
be $322,355.71.
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amendments to the contract terms must be in writing and signed by the party to be charged
(i.e., Lam). (PTX-44 ¶ 20). Moreover, SOW 2, which incorporated the terms of the Agreement,
also provided that any changes to the scope of SOW 2 must be made “using project change
management tools and procedures duly signed off by the Lam and CIGNEX representatives.”
(JTX-2 at pg. 17). Therefore, in the Court’s view, whether Lam is in breach for failing to pay
amounts due for work performed under the five change requests turns on whether the change
requests were valid amendments to the terms of the parties’ agreement – i.e., whether Lam agreed
to and executed in writing the various change requests.
As to CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3, there is no dispute that Lam agreed to and executed these
change requests. (SUF ¶¶ 10-11; see also PTX-43; PTX-44; PTX-45). Indeed, all three of these
change requests were signed between April and June of 2015 by Mr. Estes on behalf of Lam.
(See JTX-43 at pg. 2; JTX-44 at pg. 4; JTX-45 at pg. 4). Lam nevertheless argues that it is not
obligated to pay the invoices corresponding to CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3 (i.e., Invoice Nos. 21254 and
21475) for several reasons. (See D.I. 123 at 17-18). First, Lam argues that it “disputed” these
invoices – by stating generally in August 2015 that it would not pay invoices until the project got
back on track – and thus there is no obligation to pay. (Id. at 17). Lam next asserts it only agreed
to these three change requests “because it believed approval would lead to delivery of
MyLam.com” (id.) and, thus, in Lam’s view, Lam is not obligated to pay because MyLam.com
was never completed and delivered. Lam also argues that it should not have to pay Invoice Nos.
21254 and 21475 because there is no indication on those invoices that the work described actually
corresponds to CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3. (Id.). The Court disagrees with Lam on each of these
points.
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Starting first with Lam’s argument that it only agreed to CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3 because it
believed completion of MyLam.com would follow, the Court is unpersuaded that this excuses
payment.
This argument is simply another manifestation of the dispute over whether the
Agreement (including subsequent modifications to it) was a “time and materials” contract or a
“fixed price” contract. The Agreement was a “time and materials” contract that obligated Lam to
pay for services rendered by CIGNEX as the project proceeded, which includes additional work
(and costs) that Lam agreed to under the contract’s procedure for modifying the terms. And
although Lam generically told CIGNEX it was suspending payments because the project was off
track, CIGNEX never agreed to condition payment on delivery of the completed MyLam.com
project and CIGNEX continued asking for payment. (See, e.g., PTX-297 at pg. 1 (“Please don’t
tie the above amount [from CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3 invoices] to project progress . . . .”); DTX-62
at pg. 1 (CIGNEX noting that there had been no “firm resolution” on conditioning payment on
project completion and expressing desire to discuss “release [of] a major portion of the outstanding
invoices immediately.”); Tr. at 543:13-19, 546:16-25 (Mr. Estes admitting that CIGNEX never
stopped asking for payment)). 8
In the Court’s view, Lam’s general statement that it was
temporarily suspending payments does not constitute a dispute of any particular invoice sufficient
to excuse payment under the Agreement.
Finally, as to Lam’s argument that it should not have to pay because CIGNEX did not
produce any invoices “specifically related” to CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3, the Court is likewise
unpersuaded. At trial, Lam offered no evidence questioning whether Invoice Nos. 21254 and
8
In the Court’s view, if CIGNEX agreed to condition payment on delivery, then that would
mean that the contract was no longer a “time and materials” contract. Yet, as Mr. Estes
testified, the contract always remained a “time and materials” contract – i.e., one that
obligated Lam to pay for services rendered. (See Tr. at 533:2-19).
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21475 correspond to work under these change requests. And in its post-trial papers, Lam’s
assertion on this point is based solely on attorney argument and limited to a single conclusory
paragraph. (See D.I. 123 at 17). In essence, Lam’s argument is that CIGNEX was required to
send an invoice that specifically uses the words “CR-1,” “CR-2” and “CR-3” to be entitled to
payment. The Court rejects this proposition, particularly given that CIGNEX invoiced its work on
a “time and materials” basis. Indeed, Invoice Nos. 21254 and 21475 set forth the time spent by
various CIGNEX individuals in the July / August 2015 timeframe, which is shortly after the three
change requests were executed. The Court finds no basis in the record to doubt that Invoice Nos.
21254 and 21475 are for work under CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3. And because Lam agreed in writing
to CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3 pursuant to the procedures for modifying the terms of the parties’
agreement (and the scope of the project), Lam has breached the Agreement for failing to pay the
invoices for work performed under these three change requests. Lam is thus liable to CIGNEX
for the amounts due under Invoice Nos. 21254 and 21475 – i.e., $232,039.71.
Turning now to CR-4 and CR-5, the Court disagrees with CIGNEX that Lam agreed to
these change requests and is therefore also liable for the amounts due under the corresponding
invoices (i.e., Invoice Nos. 30513 and 30514). As with CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3, these later two
change requests were also amendments to the terms of the parties’ agreement and therefore must
comply with the contractual requirements for modifications (i.e., agreement in a signed writing).
Unlike CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3, however, there are no written documents executed by Mr. Estes or
anyone else at Lam that demonstrate agreement between the parties on CR-4 and CR-5. Indeed,
at least one CIGNEX witness admitted there was, in fact, no agreement on CR-4 and CR-5. (See,
e.g., Tr. at 217:25-218:6; see also Tr. at 149:1-9 & 179:14-16 (Mr. Tadeparti testifying that there
was no approval for CR-4)). On CR-4 specifically, CIGNEX acknowledges “there is no form
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prepared for signatures in the record” and “no written approval by Lam in the record,” the details
of CR-4 appear in various drafts of the SRS. (See D.I. 115 at 16-17). According to CIGNEX,
however, Lam was aware that CR-4 was necessary (see Tr. at 324:17-19 & 530:18-531:3), and the
parties had ongoing discussions about the terms of CR-4, with Lam counteroffering $66,971 for
CR-4 in response to the originally quoted $92,800 (see PTX-297 at pg. 1). As to CR-5, CIGNEX
argues that Lam agreed to CR-5 in an email from Mr. Estes. (See D.I. 115 at 18; see also PTX229 at pg. 3 (“If you are asking if I approve the scope of work and $$, the answer is yes I
approve.”)). In CIGNEX’s view, there was no requirement that Lam agree to CR-4 and CR-5 in
a signed writing – rather, it was sufficient that Lam knew the work was necessary and engaged in
negotiations or that it agreed to the “scope of work” and cost in an email. In light of the language
of the Agreement and SOW 2, the Court disagrees.
The Agreement requires modifications to the contract’s terms to be in writing and signed
by Lam, and SOW 2 incorporates the terms of the Agreement. (See PTX-44 ¶ 20; see also JTX-2
at pg. 1 (“This Statement of Work . . . is subject to the terms and conditions of the Contract for
Independent Contractor or Consultant Services [the Agreement] between the parties.”)). Any
changes to the scope of the project – originally set forth in SOW 2 – required Lam’s agreement in
a signed writing. (See, e.g., PTX-44 ¶ 20; JTX-2 at pg. 17). There is no signed agreement by Lam
as it relates to either CR-4 or CR-5. As to CR-4, the parties never reached agreement on price – a
material term – and Lam never approved any proposal for CR-4. (See PTX-297 at pg. 1 (price
negotiations still ongoing in December 2015)). And as to CR-5, in response to Mr. Estes’s
purported email approval on CR-5, Mr. Pillai requested a “signed copy of the document” as was
usually done. (See PTX-229 at pg. 2). To the Court, this suggests that CIGNEX was aware that a
signed writing was necessary for Lam’s approval. And in fact, follow-up emails from CIGNEX
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personnel further suggest that CR-5 was still being negotiated, and CIGNEX was still seeking a
signed copy indicating approval. (See PTX-229 at pg. 2 (“Attached is the latest and updated
document with all the feedback requested by you and Tim. Kindly request you to get signed copy
of the CR documentation.”)). Therefore, because Lam did not agree to CR-4 and CR-5 pursuant
to the contractual provisions for changing the terms of the parties’ agreement, Lam is not liable
for amounts due under invoices in connection with work under CR-4 and CR-5. 9
2.
Lam’s Breach of Contract Claim
As to Lam’s claim for breach of contract, Lam argues that the Agreement (and SOW 2)
obligated CIGNEX to deliver a completed MyLam.com and CIGNEX was therefore in breach of
the Agreement when it failed to complete the project. (See D.I. 113 at 3-8). In support, Lam points
to language in Exhibit A of the Agreement, which provides that CIGNEX “shall render such
services as may be necessary to complete in a professional manner” the Proof of Concept and
MyLam.com redesign project. (PTX-44, Ex. A ¶ 1 (emphasis added); see also D.I. 113 at 3).
According to Lam, this language demonstrates a contractual obligation on the part of CIGNEX to
complete and deliver MyLam.com in order to be entitled to payment under the Agreement.
(See D.I. 113 at 3). Further, in Lam’s view, the conduct of both parties demonstrated a mutual
intent for CIGNEX to deliver a complete MyLam.com pursuant to the Agreement. (Id. at 5-8).
On this point, Lam relies on Ms. Schwermer’s testimony that each invoice would be reviewed and
discussed with CIGNEX to ensure the project was still on track for completion such that payment
was “appropriate.” (Id. at 5-6 (citing Tr. at 282:20-283:1)). As further evidence to support its
9
To be clear, the Court rejects CIGNEX’s claim that it should at least receive the amount
that Lam offered to pay for CR-4 (i.e., $66,971). (See PTX-297 at pg. 1). CIGNEX never
accepted that counteroffer and, indeed, responded to that proposal with its own
counteroffer of $82,468. (Id.). There was no agreement on price for CR-4.
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argument that the parties intended the Agreement to require project completion, Lam relies on the
fact that Lam stopped paying CIGNEX mid-project after informing CIGNEX that there would be
no further payments “until they could demonstrate they could actually complete some of the
milestones or the plans they presented.” (Tr. at 528:23-529:5; see also D.I. 113 at 6). Because
CIGNEX never completed the project, Lam requests return of all payments made to CIGNEX, as
well as the costs of hiring three independent consultants to review CIGNEX’s work and advise
whether it was feasible to allow CIGNEX to proceed to completion, a total sum that Lam asserts
is $768,908.29. (See D.I. 113 at 7-8, 20; see also D.I. 123 at 20). 10
In the Court’s view, Lam’s breach of contract claim is predicated upon a finding that the
contract was a “fixed price” contract – i.e., one that required delivery of a completed site in order
for CIGNEX to receive payment. Stated differently, in order for the Court to agree with Lam and
find CIGNEX liable for breach of contract under the asserted theory, the Court must find that
CIGNEX breached a provision requiring that it complete the MyLam.com project. As set forth
above, however, the Agreement was a “time and materials” contract and, as such, CIGNEX was
entitled to payment for services (and materials) rendered while working on the MyLam.com
redesign. (See supra § IV.A). That is, CIGNEX was not contractually obligated to complete the
MyLam.com redesign project to receive payment (or even at all). To the extent that a properly
drafted “time and materials” contract could nevertheless obligate CIGNEX to complete the
MyLam.com project (see D.I. 123 at 14-15), the Court finds there was no provision creating such
an obligation here. Thus, Lam’s claim that CIGNEX breached the Agreement by not delivering a
completed MyLam.com must fail.
10
The Court added the amounts that Lam paid to CIGNEX (i.e., $665,985) and to the
independent consultants (i.e., $112,923.29) and obtained a total of $778,908.29.
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The Court is mindful, however, that Lam is unhappy with the quality of work that CIGNEX
performed, as well as the outcome of the overall project and the additional costs incurred by Lam
to remedy the situation. As set forth in the Court’s findings of fact, there were numerous missteps,
delays and security vulnerabilities caused by CIGNEX over the course of the project. Lam argues
that CIGNEX’s repeated failures – including failure to complete the project – render CIGNEX
liable for breach of contract. Although the Court understands Lam’s frustration with the apparently
questionable work performed by CIGNEX, that the project did not proceed as Lam hoped does not
compel a finding that CIGNEX was in breach of the Agreement. There is simply no contractual
provision that obligated CIGNEX to complete the project. Moreover, it is noteworthy that the
Agreement was a form contract provided by Lam – a sophisticated company – which certainly
could have included a provision that required CIGNEX to deliver a completed and satisfactory
MyLam.com before payment was ever due. And further, at any one of the apparently problematic
stages during CIGNEX’s tenure on the project, Lam could have terminated the contract and moved
on to another company. (See PTX-44 ¶ 2 (contract can be terminated without cause as long as
proper notice given)). Lam chose not to do so, allowing CIGNEX to proceeded to work on the
project even as deadlines continued to lapse without substantial progress.
Finally, as to Lam’s bad-faith breach claim, the Court is doubtful that Delaware recognizes
this cause of action in cases such as this. See, e.g., IMO Ronald J. Mount 2012 Irrevocable Dynasty
Tr. U/A/D Dec. 5, 2012, No. 12892-VCS, 2017 WL 4082886, at *6 (Del. Ch. Sept. 7, 2017) (“Ian’s
second count, a claim for ‘bad faith breach of contract,’ must be dismissed for the simple reason
that the claim, as styled, does not exist in our law.”). 11 In any event, a bad faith breach of contract
11
Such a claim is available in the context of insurance contracts. See Bennett v. USAA Cas.
Ins. Co., 158 A.3d 877, 877 n.21 (Del. 2017).
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claim is still a contract claim. See Johnson v. Gov’t Employees Ins. Co., No. 06-408-RGA, 2014
WL 2708300, at *3 (D. Del. June 16, 2014), aff’d sub nom. Johnson v. GEICO Cas. Co., 672 F.
App’x 150 (3d Cir. 2016). Because the Court has found that CIGNEX is not liable to Lam for
breach of contract, there can be no liability for bad faith breach of contract. 12
3.
Lam’s Defenses to CIGNEX’s Breach of Contract Claim
In its opening post-trial papers, Lam asserts several defenses to CIGNEX’s breach of
contract claim. None of those defenses, however, is particularly developed or raised in any detail
in Lam’s answering post-trial papers. 13 First, Lam argues that the Agreement obligates CIGNEX
to indemnify Lam for any breach of contract claims. (D.I. 113 at 13). Next, Lam argues that
CIGNEX breached the Agreement by failing to deliver MyLam.com according to “deadlines it
promised” and, therefore, Lam’s performance is excused (i.e., payment was not required). (Id. at
14). Finally, Lam argues that CIGNEX’s breach of contract claim is barred by acquiescence and
estoppel because CIGNEX continued to work for “approximately a year” without submitting
invoices or being paid. (See D.I. 113 at 19-20).
Turning first to Lam’s argument that its performance is excused because CIGNEX was in
breach for failing to deliver MyLam.com by various deadlines, the Court disagrees. (See D.I. 113
at 14 (referring to PTX-44 ¶ 2 (contractual provision excusing performance if other party is in
12
The Court also declines to award Lam damages for two software licenses – amounts that
are set forth in Invoice Nos. 20887 and 20886. (See D.I. 113 at pg. 18). Lam offers no
analysis for this request, and this theory was never addressed at trial (nor was it in the
Pretrial Order). There is simply insufficient evidence in the record for the Court to rule on
this (belated) request.
13
In fact, there appear to be defenses littered throughout both of Lam’s opening and
answering post-trial briefs, and the Court struggled to find a clear presentation of Lam’s
defenses to CIGNEX’s breach of contract claim. That being said, however articulated,
most of Lam’s defenses seem to require the Court to find the parties’ contract to be one
that obligated CIGNEX to complete the MyLam.com project. Any such defense must fail.
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breach)). There was no contractual obligation for CIGNEX to deliver a complete MyLam.com in
order for Lam to be obligated to provide payment. Indeed, there was no provision requiring
CIGNEX to complete the project at all.
As to Lam’s claim for indemnification, the Agreement provides:
Contractor [CIGNEX] agrees to be responsible for his/her/its own
actions and those of any of its employees or agents who provide
services under this Contract. Contractor [CIGNEX] agrees to
indemnify, hold harmless and, upon Company’s [Lam’s] request,
defend Company [Lam] and its directors, officers, its employees and
agents from and against all claims and losses of any type, including
reasonable attorneys’ fees, in connection with, in whole or in part:
. . . (b) Any breach of this Contract . . . .
(PTX-44 ¶ 7). Lam argues that this language “can only mean that the parties intended that Cignex
indemnify Lam for any harm that befell Lam as a consequence of Cignex breach.” (D.I. 113 at
13; see also D.I. 123 at 16-17). Yet Lam’s only argument as to CIGNEX being in breach is that
CIGNEX failed to complete the MyLam.com redesign. The Court has already found, however,
that the parties’ agreement did not obligate CIGNEX to complete the MyLam.com project.
Therefore, even if Lam’s reading of this indemnification provision were correct, 14 Lam has not
demonstrated that CIGNEX was in breach such that indemnification is triggered.
Finally, the Court rejects Lam’s contention that CIGNEX is estopped from recovery
because it acquiesced in continuing to work without payment (or invoicing) after Lam said
14
The Court doubts that this indemnification provision applies to direct claims in the manner
that Lam suggests. Indemnification provisions usually apply to third-party claims – e.g., a
third party sues Lam for damages resulting from an act by CIGNEX or one of its agents,
and the indemnification provision requires CIGNEX to defend and hold harmless Lam for
any resultant damages. Indeed, if Lam’s interpretation of this provision were correct, Lam
could request CIGNEX to “defend” Lam in a claim that Lam itself brought – i.e., CIGNEX
would be litigating against itself. See, e.g., Column Form Tech., Inc. v. Caraustar Indus.,
Inc., No. 12C-09-050JRJ CCLD, 2014 WL 2895507, at *8 (Del. Super. Ct. June 10, 2014)
(“Plaintiffs’ interpretation of [parties’ indemnification provision] would permit Plaintiffs
to step into Caraustar’s shoes in this dispute and take over Caraustar’s defense. Such an
interpretation would defy logic.”).
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payment would be suspended until the project was back on track. (See D.I. 113 at 19-20). The
doctrine of acquiescence precludes recovery where a plaintiff has full knowledge of its rights and
“(1) remains inactive for a considerable time; or (2) freely does what amounts to recognition of
the complained of act; or (3) acts in a manner inconsistent with the subsequent repudiation, which
leads the other party to believe the act has been approved.” Klaassen v. Allegro Dev. Corp.,
106 A.3d 1035, 1047 (Del. 2014); see also Lehman Bros. Holdings Inc. v. Spanish Broad. Sys.,
Inc., No. 8321-VCG, 2014 WL 718430, at *9 (Del. Ch. Feb. 25, 2014) (“The doctrine of
acquiescence effectively works an estoppel: where a plaintiff has remained silent with knowledge
of her rights, and the defendant has knowledge of the plaintiff’s silence and relies on that silence
to the defendant’s detriment, the plaintiff will be estopped from seeking protection of those
rights.”), aff’d, 105 A.3d 989 (Del. 2014). As already discussed above, CIGNEX never acquiesced
to nonpayment for work performed in connection with CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3. 15 Indeed, CIGNEX
continued to request payment for the services it was rendering and repeatedly asked for payment
of outstanding invoices, including those relating to CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3. (See, e.g., DTX-62 at
pg. 1 (CIGNEX expressing desire to discuss “release of a major portion of the outstanding invoices
immediately.”); PTX-297 at pg. 1; PTX-229 at pg. 1; PTX-137 at pg. 2; PTX-356 at pg. 1).
Mr. Estes, the Lam project manager in charge of invoicing, admitted that CIGNEX never stopped
asking for payment. (See Tr. at 543:13-19, 546:16-25). Thus, the Court finds that, contrary to
Lam’s argument, CIGNEX did not acquiesce in nonpayment such that it is estopped from
recovering the amounts due under invoices relating to CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3.
15
Because the Court finds that CIGNEX is not entitled to recover damages in relation to CR4 and CR-5 (see supra § IV.A.1), this analysis is limited to CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3.
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In sum, the Court finds that all of Lam’s counterclaims and defenses fail and that CIGNEX
partially prevails on its breach of contract claim and is entitled to amounts due under invoices for
CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3, totaling $232,039.71. Although CIGNEX requests interest on any amount
awarded, other than a single statement in the conclusion (see D.I. 115 at 20; D.I. 121 at 20), there
is no indication of whether CIGNEX is seeking pre- or post-judgment interest (or both), nor is
there any analysis for the interest rate and frequency of compounding. In connection with any
motion for attorneys’ fees (see infra § IV.D), CIGNEX must also set forth an analysis on interest.
B.
Lam’s Claim for Breach of Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
Lam argues that, to the extent there is no express contractual requirement for CIGNEX to
deliver a complete and functioning MyLam.com website, the Court should nevertheless find that
requirement implied under the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. (See D.I. 113 at 9-11).
That is, in Lam’s view, there is a gap in the Agreement’s express terms as it relates to the parties’
intent for CIGNEX to deliver a completed MyLam.com, and the Court can and should fill that gap.
(Id. at 10). The Court declines to do so.
CIGNEX and Lam are both sophisticated companies that are capable of envisioning terms
– including material terms – important to their interests and incorporating those terms into their
contracts. Here, the form of contract was provided by Lam. (See, e.g., Tr. at 193:17-25). If it
were important for Lam to have a provision ensuring completion of the MyLam.com project, then
Lam should have included it in the form of contract they provided to CIGNEX. As the Delaware
Supreme Court has recognized, “[p]arties have a right to enter into good and bad contracts, the law
enforces both.” Nemec, 991 A.2d at 1126. The purpose of the implied covenant of good faith and
faith dealing is not to rewrite the contract to capture terms that one party wishes that it included at
the outset, but rather to address situations where the other party “has acted arbitrarily or
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unreasonably, thereby frustrating the fruits of the bargain that the asserting party reasonably
expected.” Id. Lam has failed to prove that is the case here.
C.
Lam’s Claim for Unjust Enrichment
As to Lam’s claim for unjust enrichment, Lam recognizes that this claim must fail if the
Court finds there is an enforceable contract that governs the parties’ relationship. (See D.I. 113 at
12 (“In the event Lam has no remedy at law, the Court may grant Lam relief pursuant to its claim
that Cignex has been unjustly enriched at Lam’s expense.”)). As set forth above, the law in
Delaware is clear that the equitable remedy of unjust enrichment is unavailable where the parties’
relationship is governed by contract. (See supra § III.C). Because the alleged wrong here arises
from a relationship governed by a valid and enforceable contract formed between Lam and
CIGNEX, Lam cannot recover under a theory of unjust enrichment.
D.
CIGNEX’s Claim for Attorneys’ Fees Under the Contract
In its post-trial brief, CIGNEX requests attorneys’ fees pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement. (See, e.g., D.I. 115 at 19-20; see also JTX-44 ¶ 19). Paragraph 19 of the Agreement
provides that, in any judicial proceeding over a dispute arising out of the Agreement, the prevailing
party “is entitled to recover all reasonable expenses associated with such proceeding (including
without limitation reasonable costs and fees of attorneys and other professionals) . . . .” (JTX-44
¶ 19). The Agreement also provides limitations on the costs and fees recovery when the prevailing
party previously refused a settlement offer pertaining to the dispute. First, if the prevailing party’s
actual recovery in the proceeding is less than a settlement offer refused by the prevailing party,
then no costs or fees shall be recovered. (Id. ¶ 19(i)). Alternatively, if the prevailing party has
refused a settlement offer that was less than the amount actually recovered in the proceeding, the
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prevailing party may only recover costs and fees that “bear a reasonable relation” to recovering
the difference between the refused settlement offer and actual recovery. (Id. ¶ 19(ii)).
In the Court’s view, CIGNEX’s request for attorneys’ fees was premature. During closing
arguments, the Court raised the issue of attorneys’ fees pursuant to this contractual provision, and
both sides agreed that this was a matter to be addressed after the Court’s ruling. (See, e.g., Tr. at
583:6-8 (“Once a ruling is issued by the court, Your Honor, then we have a prevailing party, that
triggers this provision at that point in time.”) (CIGNEX’s counsel); Tr. at 606:5-9 (“I agree that
the attorneys fees should be handled post-judgment. I think Your Honor has to make rulings as to
certain – you have to make rulings on the parties’ claims and I think we would analyze that and
come back to the Court . . . .”) (Lam’s counsel)). It is thus unclear why CIGNEX requested
attorneys’ fees before the Court issued its post-trial opinion. 16 A motion for attorneys’ fees shall
follow after judgment is entered in this case within the time period prescribed by the Federal Rules.
That being said, if attorneys’ fees continue to be pursued, the Court expects the parties to
address the following issues – with supporting case law – in any forthcoming fees motion:
(1) whether Lam’s partial success on summary judgment has an impact on CIGNEX’s status as a
prevailing party; (2) whether CIGNEX’s partial success (i.e., no recovery for CR-4 and CR-5) has
an impact on its status as a prevailing party; (3) whether there is a dispute that settlement offers
may properly be used to address attorneys’ fees in this case without running afoul of Federal Rule
of Evidence 408; (4) if settlement offers may be used, what those offers were (with any supporting
evidence); and (5) if there has been a mediator’s proposal in this case, whether that is considered
16
Indeed, Rule 54(d)(2)(A) requires CIGNEX to point to the judgment or order that gave it
prevailing party status, which would have been impossible at the time CIGNEX filed its
post-trial papers.
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a settlement offer within the meaning of Paragraph 19 the Agreement and, if so, what that
amount was.
V.
CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, CIGNEX has proven that Lam breached the Agreement by
failing to pay for services rendered under CR-1, CR-2 and CR-3, but CIGNEX has failed to prove
that Lam is liable for payments in connection with CR-4 and CR-5. Lam has failed to prove that
CIGNEX is liable for breach of contract, bad faith breach of contract, breach of the implied
covenant of good faith and fair dealing and unjust enrichment. An appropriate order will follow.
34
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