Chapter 248: They are Deciding?

Judge Anderson re-entered, taking her seat at the bench.

"Your Honor, I would like to put Michael Reyes on the stand," Collins requested confidently.

Judge Anderson nodded. "Very well. Mr. Reyes, please take the stand."

Michael stood up, smoothing his suit jacket, and walked to the witness stand. He took his seat and faced the courtroom, feeling the weight of every gaze upon him.

The court clerk approached with a Bible. "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"

"I do," Michael responded firmly.

Collins approached Michael with a calm, reassuring demeanor. "Mr. Reyes, can you please describe to the court your role in the development of the VR technology at Reyes Corporation?"

Michael took a deep breath and began. "I am the CEO and lead developer at Reyes Corporation. My primary role involves overseeing the research and development of our technology, ensuring that we innovate and maintain the highest standards."

Collins nodded. "Can you explain how your VR technology was developed, specifically addressing the claims made by VirtuReal Innovations?"

Michael leaned forward slightly. "Our VR technology was developed independently. We started from scratch, using our own research and resources. We focused on creating a unique system that would set us apart in the market."

Collins continued, "During this development process, did you or anyone from your team have any contact with VirtuReal Innovations or access to their proprietary information?"

"No," Michael replied firmly. "We maintained strict confidentiality and security measures to ensure that our work remained independent and original. There was no interaction or sharing of information between us and VirtuReal Innovations."

Collins nodded, then turned to address the court. "Your Honor, the defense has established that Reyes Corporation's development process was conducted independently, with no interaction with VirtuReal Innovations."

Carter stood up quickly. "Objection, Your Honor. The defense is making assumptions without providing concrete evidence."

Judge Anderson considered the objection. "Sustained. Mr. Collins, please focus your questions on factual testimony."

Collins nodded. "Mr. Reyes, do you have an assistant that is working with you on these projects?"

Michael responded confidently, "The AI was developed in a completely isolated environment, with no access to external networks or data sources that could have introduced any proprietary information from VirtuReal. Which I assume that VirtuReal did not release those source code to the outside world."

Carter paused, struggling to find a counterargument. He knew Michael had a point; VirtuReal would never willingly release their source code to anyone.

"Mr. Carter, do you have any further questions?" Judge Anderson prompted, seeing Carter's hesitation.

Carter took a deep breath and shook his head. "No further questions, Your Honor."

Judge Anderson sighed. "Thank you, Mr. Carter. Mr. Reyes, you may step down."

Michael left the witness stand and returned to his seat.

Judge Anderson addressed the courtroom, her expression thoughtful.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have heard compelling arguments from both sides regarding the development processes of Reyes Corporation and VirtuReal Innovations. The central issue is whether Reyes Corporation's VR technology infringed on VirtuReal's proprietary information."

She paused, glancing at the jurors, then continued, "The defense has presented a plausible explanation of independent development, bolstered by the testimony about their internal protocols and the use of a personal AI assistant. While the role of AI in development is fascinating, it ultimately does not replace the need for human oversight and assurance of independent work."

Judge Anderson leaned forward slightly. "The possibility of coincidence in technological similarities cannot be entirely dismissed. It is up to the jury to weigh the evidence and decide if the similarities are indeed coincidental or a result of infringement."

She turned to the jury. "You now have the task of deliberating and reaching a verdict. Please consider all the evidence presented carefully."

The jury stood and exited the courtroom to begin their deliberations.

"Wait...that fast? It's just been two days," Michael whispered to Collins as they watched the jury leave the courtroom.

Collins nodded, a slight smile on his face. "Some cases can be decided quickly, especially when the evidence is straightforward and the arguments are clear. The jury might already have a strong sense of the direction they're leaning."

Michael sighed, trying to steady his nerves. "I hope they see things our way."

Collins patted him on the shoulder. "We've presented a strong case. Now we just have to wait and see."