Chapter 244: The Start

Collins handed over a meticulously organized binder to the court clerk, who brought it to the judge. "Your Honor, this binder contains detailed logs, email threads, and internal communications from Reyes Corporation, all timestamped and verified. These documents outline the step-by-step development of our VR technology."

Carter handed over his own set of documents. "We have conducted a detailed comparison of the source code from both companies, and the similarities are undeniable. We believe this warrants further investigation."

Judge Anderson reviewed the binders briefly before looking up. "I will review these documents in detail. For now, let's address the procedural aspects. Mr. Reyes, you are required to answer questions under oath regarding the development of your technology."

Michael stood and approached the witness stand. He took his place and faced the judge.

The court clerk approached with a Bible in hand. "Please raise your right hand," the clerk instructed. Michael complied, raising his hand.

"Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"

"I do," Michael replied firmly.

Judge Anderson nodded and looked at Carter. "You may proceed with your questioning."

Carter rose from his seat and approached the witness stand, holding a few sheets of paper. "Mr. Reyes, let's start with the basics. Can you explain the process by which your team developed the VR technology in question?"

Michael took a deep breath, recalling the detailed timeline they had prepared. "Our development process began two years ago with a series of brainstorming sessions and research into existing VR technologies. From there, we formed a dedicated team of software engineers and developers who worked in isolated conditions to ensure the integrity and originality of our work."

Carter nodded, his expression neutral. "And during this development period, did your team have any contact with VirtuReal Innovations or access to their proprietary information?"

"No, we did not," Michael replied confidently. "Our development environment was completely secure and isolated. We maintained strict confidentiality and had no interaction with VirtuReal Innovations."

Carter raised an eyebrow, glancing at his notes. "Mr. Reyes, can you explain why there are significant similarities between your code and VirtuReal's code? How do you account for this?"

Michael maintained his composure. "The similarities are purely coincidental. Our team developed our algorithms independently. We've provided extensive documentation and internal communications to demonstrate our unique development path."

"You said two years ago, right? Where was the facility located where this development took place?" Carter asked, leaning forward slightly.

Carter continued, addressing Michael directly. "Mr. Reyes, can you explain this discrepancy? How do you account for the fact that there was no facility at the specified location two years ago?"

Michael found it hard to answer as they could trap him if he wasn't careful. He took a deep breath. "Well, if you are to define a facility, it's anything that serves a particular purpose. At that time, we had temporary structures set up to conduct our initial research and development.

These might not meet the conventional definition of a facility, but they served our needs perfectly during the early stages," Michael said, maintaining his composure.

Carter's skepticism was palpable. "Temporary structures? Could you elaborate on what these structures entailed?"

Michael nodded. "Certainly. We used modular buildings equipped with the necessary technology and security measures. These buildings were leased and set up specifically for our project. We ensured they met all the requirements for a secure and confidential development environment."

Judge Anderson leaned forward slightly. "Mr. Reyes, can you provide any documentation to support the existence of these temporary structures?"

Michael replied, "Yes, Your Honor. As I mentioned previously, we have lease agreements and construction contracts that detail the setup of these temporary structures. We can present these documents to the court."

Carter interjected, "Your Honor, we would request that these documents be submitted immediately for review."

Judge Anderson nodded. "Mr. Collins, please ensure these documents are submitted to the court as soon as possible. We will need to verify this information."

Collins stood up. "Of course, Your Honor. We will gather the necessary documents and submit them promptly."

Carter continued his questioning. "Mr. Reyes, you've stated that your team worked in isolated conditions. Can you explain the measures taken to ensure there was no external influence or access to VirtuReal's proprietary information?"

Michael replied confidently, "We had strict security protocols in place. All personnel were required to sign non-disclosure agreements, and access to our development area was heavily restricted. We used secure servers for all our data, and our communications were encrypted. We took every possible measure to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of our project."

Carter nodded, though his skepticism remained evident. "And you expect the court to believe that despite the significant similarities between your code and VirtuReal's, there was no contact or influence?"

Michael responded firmly, "Yes, Mr. Carter. As I've stated, our development was entirely independent. Any similarities are purely coincidental. Our documentation and internal communications support this."

Judge Anderson intervened, "Thank you, Mr. Reyes. We will take a brief recess while we review the additional documents provided by the defense. The court will reconvene in one hour."

As the court adjourned, Michael and his legal team gathered in a quiet corner of the courtroom.