A former top executive at Cinamaker, Gary Baker, has sued the video production tool producer for allegedly misclassifying him as an independent contractor and leaving him with his own tax bill.
The lawsuit also alleges that Baker was defamed as a "thief" in internal company communications after he disputed the arrangement.
The suit was initially filed in Santa Barbara County Superior Court on Dec. 11, but was moved to Los Angeles federal court on Dec. 19.
Baker's complaint includes charges of breach of contract, violation of labor code, unpaid contract wages, expense reimbursement, unfair business practices, and defamation.
He is seeking court orders directing the defendants to pay civil and statutory penalties, and damages for lost wages and punitive damages, among others, plus attorney fees.
He is represented by attorneys James H. Cordes and Angelica J. Caro, of the firm of James H. Cordes and Associates, of Santa Barbara.
The defendants named in the suit are Cinamaker Inc., Benjamin Nowak, and DOES 1 through 10.