By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – An Allegheny County man filed new papers in Buffalo's federal court Monday, claiming there is more evidence that he is half-owner of the $50 billion Facebook.
Paul Ceglia claims that in 2003 he paid billionaire Facebook owner Mark E. Zuckerberg $1,000 for his computer work and invested $1,000 in Zuckerberg's fledgling "Face Book" project.
Ceglia's new, high-powered attorneys say in the amended complaint that they have copies of emails between Ceglia and Zuckerberg discussing details of their partnership.
According to court papers, Zuckerberg e-mailed Ceglia on Jan. 1, 2004, "I just wanted to extend to you a Happy New Year," Zuckerberg e-mailed to Ceglia on Jan. 1, 2004, according to court papers. "The extra $1,000 really helped get us further ahead, and if there is any way you can send some additional funding, I believe we will be online in a few weeks."
Ceglia e-mailed back that he would review the details of his proposal, allege his attorneys in the new complaint.
"The course of conduct between Ceglia and Zuckerberg, after the formation of the general partnership, shows Ceglia also contributed his time, ideas, know-how and other 'sweat equity' to the general partnership. Their respective contributions resulted in the creation of software, programming language, a website, other intellectual property and business interests ... of which the parties intended and the agreement specified that Ceglia is 50 percent owner," Ceglia's attorneys say in court papers.
Zuckerberg's New York City attorneys continue to say the case is unfounded and an attempted scam by a convicted felon. Ceglia pleaded guilty about 16 years ago in Texas to felony charges related to possession of psychedelic mushrooms.
Ceglia's Facebook claim before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara is not expected to go to trial for several months.