Dear Senior HR Community members,
I would like to present my case to all of you to give your valuable views/opinions on the way forward.
Background and Experience
I have approximately 25 years of industrial experience in the pharmaceutical field, having worked with MNCs and reputed Indian companies. My last position was with a well-known pharmaceutical company in Chennai from September 2007 to May 2014. Initially, I worked in the Product Development department under a senior person (DGM-PD) and was designated as AGM-PD. In April 2008, I was transferred to another plant working towards MHRA accreditation, designated as AGM-R&D. By July 2008, I was also tasked with developing high-value dermaceuticals, reporting to the Senior Vice-President (Operations).
Role and Responsibilities
In 2009, I was asked to focus solely on the development of high-value dermaceuticals, with a redesignation to DGM-R&D. We started with three people and expanded to thirty. During this time, the company filed numerous patents. These innovations were guided by an outside consultant, through whom I joined the company in 2007. The company notarized a document stating that all innovation concepts originated from this consultant, who was the key inventor of all derma innovations. One product received a patent grant from Europe and Japan. However, when filed with the USPTO (US Patent Office), the application was rejected in February 2014. The consultant eventually left the company, and I was briefed by the MD & SVP(O) about these developments.
Challenges and Resignation
The SVP(O) threatened me with serious consequences if I maintained any working relationship with the consultant and also threatened that I could not resign. Within three days, I resigned, citing personal reasons, and submitted my resignation to the MD, with copies to the SVP(O) and Head-HR on March 1, 2014, with a two-month notice period. By late April 2014, I was asked to extend my notice period to May 2014. During these three months, I trained the Sr. Manager (R&D) and submitted all documents to him. A joint monthly report was prepared and submitted to all stakeholders.
In mid-May 2014, I was asked to sign a declaration form as a joint inventor for a patent rejected in the US, which I refused due to legal implications. I explained my reasons to the Head-HR with supporting documents. Despite threats from management, I did not sign the form and requested immediate relief from duties. The Head-HR requested I stay until May 31, 2014, to participate in the KRA session for 2014-15, which I did.
Legal Issues and Current Situation
On May 31, 2014, I was presented with a charge letter accusing me of confidentiality violations and fictitious charges, stating my final settlement would be delayed. I returned company property to HR, but they did not acknowledge receipt. The charge letter was later sent by registered post on June 4, 2014. I replied, requesting settlement of my dues. In late June, I received another letter reiterating the charges and the possibility of civil/criminal action. In late July 2014, I received a legal notice demanding an apology and Rs 25 lakhs compensation within seven days.
I consulted a high court advocate and replied on August 1, 2014, stating the case was fabricated to harass me and withholding mandatory certificates violated my rights. I have not received a response from the legal firm or company. Meanwhile, I received my Form 16 for 2013-14, but my dues, relieving letter, EPF withdrawal form, and gratuity remain pending. I sent a reminder email on August 30, 2014.
Soliciting your expert views on the way forward.
Currently, I am working as an independent consultant.
With regards,
Narayan
I would like to present my case to all of you to give your valuable views/opinions on the way forward.
Background and Experience
I have approximately 25 years of industrial experience in the pharmaceutical field, having worked with MNCs and reputed Indian companies. My last position was with a well-known pharmaceutical company in Chennai from September 2007 to May 2014. Initially, I worked in the Product Development department under a senior person (DGM-PD) and was designated as AGM-PD. In April 2008, I was transferred to another plant working towards MHRA accreditation, designated as AGM-R&D. By July 2008, I was also tasked with developing high-value dermaceuticals, reporting to the Senior Vice-President (Operations).
Role and Responsibilities
In 2009, I was asked to focus solely on the development of high-value dermaceuticals, with a redesignation to DGM-R&D. We started with three people and expanded to thirty. During this time, the company filed numerous patents. These innovations were guided by an outside consultant, through whom I joined the company in 2007. The company notarized a document stating that all innovation concepts originated from this consultant, who was the key inventor of all derma innovations. One product received a patent grant from Europe and Japan. However, when filed with the USPTO (US Patent Office), the application was rejected in February 2014. The consultant eventually left the company, and I was briefed by the MD & SVP(O) about these developments.
Challenges and Resignation
The SVP(O) threatened me with serious consequences if I maintained any working relationship with the consultant and also threatened that I could not resign. Within three days, I resigned, citing personal reasons, and submitted my resignation to the MD, with copies to the SVP(O) and Head-HR on March 1, 2014, with a two-month notice period. By late April 2014, I was asked to extend my notice period to May 2014. During these three months, I trained the Sr. Manager (R&D) and submitted all documents to him. A joint monthly report was prepared and submitted to all stakeholders.
In mid-May 2014, I was asked to sign a declaration form as a joint inventor for a patent rejected in the US, which I refused due to legal implications. I explained my reasons to the Head-HR with supporting documents. Despite threats from management, I did not sign the form and requested immediate relief from duties. The Head-HR requested I stay until May 31, 2014, to participate in the KRA session for 2014-15, which I did.
Legal Issues and Current Situation
On May 31, 2014, I was presented with a charge letter accusing me of confidentiality violations and fictitious charges, stating my final settlement would be delayed. I returned company property to HR, but they did not acknowledge receipt. The charge letter was later sent by registered post on June 4, 2014. I replied, requesting settlement of my dues. In late June, I received another letter reiterating the charges and the possibility of civil/criminal action. In late July 2014, I received a legal notice demanding an apology and Rs 25 lakhs compensation within seven days.
I consulted a high court advocate and replied on August 1, 2014, stating the case was fabricated to harass me and withholding mandatory certificates violated my rights. I have not received a response from the legal firm or company. Meanwhile, I received my Form 16 for 2013-14, but my dues, relieving letter, EPF withdrawal form, and gratuity remain pending. I sent a reminder email on August 30, 2014.
Soliciting your expert views on the way forward.
Currently, I am working as an independent consultant.
With regards,
Narayan