Our company was trying to bring in a technology for use and I led the effort to evaluate the technology from scientific and technology perspective. I had los of contact with the founder of that small company and got lots of information on their technology. when we started to do business deal, it went sour. basically the small company wants way too much money for their immature technology. Now the other party threatened to sue us based on breaching confidentiality. the founder pointed out that I contacted third parties, which he actually referred to me, about his technology. Now our company lawyer does not believe I did anything wrong. However, if it really gets into a court, what jury would see is a giant company pressing on a very small company. The image is not good.
The advice I need is that if our company wants to settle to pretect company image, what will happen to me personally? Am I going to be the scapegoat in this case for them to sacrifice to make settlement? BTW, anything I did received permission from our management. Unfortunatley I do not have written documents about this.
Any advice wouold be appreciated. thanks in advance.