LITMAN v. GOLDBERG Portal | Research | Four Categories | Print/PDF

Master Chronological Timeline

Litman v. Goldberg | Index No. 524343/2025
NY Supreme Court, Kings County | Hon. Brian L. Gotlieb, J.S.C.
Count V: NY Civil Rights Law Sections 50-51 (Misappropriation of Name)
Prepared March 28, 2026 | Depositions & MSJ Preparation Reference
16
POA Signatures by Goldberg
905
Patents with Litman on Line 74
$18.5M
Revenue Under Litman's Name
36,500+
Estimated Section 51 Publications
12
Cataloged Admissions
5,198
Direct Litman-Goldberg Emails
206
USPTO Docs Bearing Litman's Name (21 Apps)
5+
Explicit Non-Consent Emails
76-79%
Firm Revenue from Litman Work

Annual Financial Summary (2020-2025)

POA Signing Timeline

Firm Revenue Dependency

Section 51 Element Key: USE — Name on Document TRADE — Commercial Purpose CONSENT — Without Consent CAUSE — Goldberg's Act KNOW — Knowledge CONTROL — Choice of Name

Pre-SOL Background

Apr
2017
Goldberg & Meyer
Executed Combination Agreement Amendment; paid $214,532 for "Litman Law Offices, Ltd." service mark, all accounts receivable, and Freedom Bank accounts. Proves commercial value of Litman's name; Goldberg literally bought it. Combination Agreement Amendment
TRADE
1/23
2020
Litman
Asks to stop auto-payments on 3 disability policies. Early disability indicator. ND0001, ND0000116210
KNOW
3/18
2020
Litman
Emails about terminating lease under disability provision: "applies to people with disabilities." Self-identifies as disabled before official date. ND0001, ND0000116409
KNOW
4/8
2020
Feinstein (NW Mutual)
Contacts Litman about disability policies. Disability claim process begins. ND0001, ND0000015387
KNOW
4/15
2020
Litman
To Sheri Abrams: describes psoriatic arthritis, autoimmune conditions, immunosuppressing biologic, respiratory problems, high COVID risk. Most detailed self-description of medical conditions. ND0001, ND0000116509
KNOW
4/15
2020
Litman
Requests disability coverage from NW Mutual. Formal claim initiation. ND0001, ND0000116508
KNOW
4/17
2020
Goldberg
To Litman: "I will check in with her to see if there are any issues getting you this information" (re: group disability). First evidence Goldberg informed of disability intent. ND0002, ND0000272296
KNOW
4/19
2020
Goldberg
Confirms disability information provided to Litman. Goldberg actively assisting with disability claim. ND0002, ND0000272298
KNOW
5/18
2020
Litman
Meeting with disability attorney Steven Dell. Retains disability counsel. ND0001, ND0000011345
KNOW
6/6
2020
Litman
Completes CLE: "ERISA-Based Long Term Disability Benefit Claims." Studying his own claim's legal framework. ND0001, ND0000012077
KNOW
6/8
2020
Goldberg
To Litman: acknowledges knee/back/hand/eye issues, inability to travel; knows Litman hired disability lawyer. Full knowledge of Litman's condition. ND0002, ND0000269197
KNOW
JUNE 15, 2020

Statute of Limitations Cutoff

All acts of name use after this date are actionable under Section 51

2020 — Post-SOL (June 15 – December 31)

6/15
2020
Milestone
DATE OF DISABILITY / SOL CUTOFF. Litman's wages end; disability treated "like death" under Combination Agreement. All name use after this date is actionable.
MILESTONE
7/28
2020
Goldberg
Email re POA strategy: "Ordinarily, I would say it is fine to just submit the Power of Attorney documents and move on." Shows POA submissions under Goldberg's control and direction. ND0000269356
CAUSE
8/10
2020
Goldberg
To Litman: "all of your back, neck, knees, hands, and feet are now an issue? That is simply awful." Confirms knowledge of deteriorating condition. ND0002, ND0000269381
KNOW
8/12
2020
Goldberg
"I will sign the form once you have it and pass it on" (re: disability claim employer form). Agrees to participate in disability claim process. ND0002, ND0000269389
KNOW
8/13
2020
Goldberg
To Litman: "Sorry to hear your vision is negatively impacted also... you are essentially unable to leave the house." Acknowledges Litman is homebound. ND0002, ND0000269393
KNOW
8/16
2020
Other (Reg. 147148)
POA signed for Design App D/746,671 (Patent D1,046,141, KSU). Litman on Line 74. Earliest post-SOL POA in evidence set. POA Table
USE
8/20
2020
Goldberg
Confirmed malpractice insurance through Markel covering Litman. Maintained professional insurance for someone who could not practice. Insurance emails
TRADE
~9/1
2020
Litman
Voice-to-text draft: MetLife claim filed, date of disability = 6/15/2020, max $100K/year. Confirms claim filed and SOL date. ND0001, ND0000164100
KNOW
9/15
2020
MetLife
Questions sent to Goldberg directly about LTD Claim #692009108889. Goldberg is employer contact for the disability claim. ND0002, ND0000272575-76
KNOW
9/16
2020
Litman
To Goldberg: proposes MetLife answers — "No short term disability... wages ended on 6/15/20." Both parties coordinating disability claim. ND0002, ND0000269509
KNOW
9/17
2020
Litman
To Goldberg: "treat it like death, triggering the 5 years of payments, my W-2 wages ended on the date of disability 6/15/20... maintain my official status as Senior Counsel — without duties." Framework established: no duties, no wages, name only. ND0002, ND0000269513
KNOWCONSENT
9/17
2020
Goldberg
"I agree it would be cleanest to treat it like death, thereby instituting the five-year period starting 6/15/2020, while maintaining your Senior Counsel status." Goldberg agrees Litman has no duties — yet continues using his name. ND0002, ND0000269514
KNOWCONSENT
9/20
2020
Kuwait University
Referred to NGM as "Litman's office." Clients identified firm through Litman's name. Client-facing emails
TRADE
10/6
2020
Goldberg
"I can confirm we have put a hold on further paychecks to you." Litman's pay formally stopped. ND0002, ND0000269615-18
KNOW
10/22
2020
Litman
Eye surgery (right eye); second surgery scheduled for December. Goldberg fully aware. ND0002, ND0000269679-80
KNOW
11/11
2020
MetLife / Goldberg
MetLife approves LTD Claim #692009108889; Goldberg forwards approval to Litman: "MetLife approved your disability claim." Goldberg can no longer deny knowledge of disability. ND0002, ND0000272724
KNOW
12/21
2020
Goldberg
References "your approved disability claim" in email to Litman. Uses exact phrase "approved disability claim." ND0002, ND0000269852
KNOW

2020 Financial Summary (Post-6/15)

$1,653,523
Fees Collected
$330,705
20% Owed to Litman
$255,000
Actually Paid
$75,705
Shortfall

2021

2/5
2021
Litman
Asks about W-2 showing $30,000 from MetLife. Disability payments flowing. ND0002, ND0000270004
KNOW
2/16
2021
Goldberg
"My biggest concern would be that you don't do anything contrary to your current disability status." Explicitly warns Litman re: disability status — proves knowledge. ND0002, ND0000270004
KNOW
3/2
2021
Litman
Diagnosed with dystonia (inherited generalized dystonia, Ashkenazi Jewish); starting PT at Hospital for Special Surgery. Formal diagnosis. ND0002, ND0000270058
KNOW
3/2
2021
Goldberg
"Jerry and I have talked a number of times... Our big concern is dealing with your disability status." Both partners acknowledge the disability. ND0002, ND0000270058
KNOW
4/22
2021
Litman
"You and Jerry bought my practice and my goodwill associated with it... my not taking action while we sort things out should not be interpreted as a waiver." Preserves legal rights; establishes Goldberg bought the practice. ND0000270233
CONSENTTRADE
5/21
2021
Tanya Harkins
"this is not Litman. I would have never worked for him and he doesn't work here anymore" (Goldberg CC'd). NGM employee confirms Litman gone; Goldberg had actual knowledge. ND0000270307
KNOWCONSENT
6/7
2021
Litman
"Do you think my gracious retirement from the firm at this time will help you with this situation?" As of June 2021, Litman had NOT retired; status unresolved. ND0000270307
CONSENT
6/2021
Litman
Proposes McCammon Group mediation. Disputes already active.
CONSENT
7/14
2021
Goldberg
"I am talking with Jen tomorrow to make sure there is nothing I am missing from the disability perspective." Still managing Litman's disability implications. ND0002, ND0000272941
KNOW
7/21
2021
Litman
Discusses MetLife letter re: life insurance and disability payment interaction. Ongoing disability claim management. ND0002, ND0000270356-57
KNOW
8/27
2021
Litman
Disputes firm's deductions from disability benefit. Financial dispute escalating. ND0002, ND0000270417
CONSENT

2021 Financial Summary

$1,821,985
Fees Collected
$364,397
20% Owed to Litman
$120,000
Actually Paid
$244,397
Shortfall

2022

3/15
2022
Goldberg
"The question all comes down to whether you will be an active employee vs. on disability/retired." Goldberg himself unsure of Litman's status — yet signing POAs listing Litman as attorney. ND0002, ND0000270640
KNOWCONSENT
7/2022
Goldberg
Acknowledged need to notify clients about Litman's status — never followed through. Knew obligation existed; deliberately chose not to act. Client notification emails
CONSENTCAUSE
7/14
2022
Litman
"If you recall, he [Jerry] was kept out of the loop on my disability when he had the cardiac crisis." Confirms Goldberg was primary person informed about disability. ND0002, ND0000270862
KNOW
10/24
2022
NGM
First KNPC docket opened (33060.72U) under "Richard Litman (RL)" as responsible attorney. KNPC matters billed under Litman from inception. RL_Client_List.csv
TRADECONTROL

2022 Financial Summary

$2,642,940
Fees Collected
$528,588
20% Owed to Litman
$120,000
Actually Paid
$408,588
Shortfall

2023 — Pre-Arbitration

1/9-10
2023
Litman
Re $694K wire transfer: "Our communications should not be interpreted as agreeing to anything." Explicit non-agreement. ND0000271250 area
CONSENT
1/17
2023
Goldberg
To Martha Long re SACGC: "Since we are the attorneys of record and the POA was signed... Either a withdrawal of our Power of Attorney... needs to be filed." Goldberg explains POA mechanism — proves he understood exactly how name-use worked. ND0000271155 (Admission #10)
CAUSEKNOW
1/25
2023
Litman
Asks about 43 KSU matters. Still engaged with client work.
TRADE
2/23
2023
Litman
To Goldberg: "If I was in your seat, I would do everything I could to look less like a gonif." Relationship adversarial.
CONSENT
2/28
2023
Goldberg
Quotes MetLife LTD policy to argue payments would reduce disability benefits. Used disability knowledge as financial weapon. ND0002, ND0000271249 (Admission context)
KNOW
3/1
2023
Litman
"I trusted you to honor the combination agreement. I am disappointed. It really is anguishing for me." Relationship broken; $86,500+ owed. ND0000271250
CONSENT
3/7
2023
Usman (NGM staff)
Assignment Cover Sheet filed for UAEU App 18/118,551; Correspondent: "RICHARD C. LITMAN NATH, GOLDBERG & MEYER." Litman's name on assignment filed by NGM staff. Assignment screenshot
USECAUSE
3/16
2023
Goldberg
POA #1 signed — App 18/122,396 (Patent 11,976,365, KFU). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. Pre-arbitration POA; Litman on issued patent. POA Table
USECAUSE
4/4
2023
Martha Long
Solicitation email: "I have worked with him for the past 27 years" (to Mr. Won, U of Michigan). Commercial solicitation using Litman's name. Client-facing emails
USETRADE
5/1
2023
Litman
"the list of items in your email proposed as a basis for ending the arbitration were not agreed to by me at anytime... I object to the assertion... that the combination agreement has been terminated." Explicit non-consent during active arbitration. ND0000226842 / ND0000263195
CONSENT
JUNE 14, 2023

Arbitration Decision

All use of Litman's name after this date is willful and knowing

2023 — Post-Arbitration

6/14
2023
Milestone
ARBITRATION DECISION — Judge Horne rules Litman was "dead" to the firm as of 6/15/2020. Goldberg argued Litman's authority ended 6/15/2020; yet continued using his name.
MILESTONE
6/15
2023
Martha Long
Solicitation email: "I have worked with Richard Litman for the past 27 years and would be delighted to assist you" (to Mohammad Al-Harbi, Kuwait). Commercial solicitation using Litman's name — 1 day after arbitration. Client-facing emails
USETRADE
6/19
2023
Goldberg
Directs Martha Long on POA filing for KNPC: "yes, it is fine to send the POA to the client after the application is filed." 5 DAYS after arbitration — still directing POA filings listing Litman. ND0000247121 (Admission #11)
CAUSEKNOW
6/28-29
2023
Goldberg
POA #2 signed — App 18/215,352 (Patent 11,881,807, KFU, issued 1/23/2024). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. 15 days after arbitration decision. POA Table
USECAUSE
7/3
2023
NGM
First KNPC application filed (33060.73U, App 18/217,910). KNPC work begins post-arbitration; billed under Litman. ND0000231121
TRADECONTROL
7/10
2023
Martha Long
Solicitation email: "I have worked with Richard Litman for the past 27 years" (to Mondher Lateri). Continued commercial use of name.
USETRADE
7/17
2023
Financial
Arbitration award paid ($316,870, calculated by Goldberg's own spreadsheet). Calculation of Award.xlsx
TRADE
7/17
2023
Martha Long
Filing Receipt forwarded to KNPC client. Client-facing use of Litman-associated documents. ND0000231121
USETRADE
7/18
2023
Litman
To Goldberg: "Although I did not agree to terminate my affiliation... We need to ensure there is no likelihood of confusion resulting from NGM's use of my name and affiliation with NGM post-termination. We need to reach an agreement about notifying clients." BOMBSHELL #3 — explicit objection to name use; demands client notification. ND0000263307
CONSENT
7/2023
Litman
Drafted complete client notification letter. NEVER SENT — Goldberg blocked it.
CONSENT
7/23
2023
Litman
To Goldberg/Meyer/Green: MetLife ERISA coverage capped at $100K/year. Ongoing disability claim. ND0002, ND0000270361
KNOW
8/2
2023
Litman
"It is giving me motivation to 'rise from the dead' so to speak with my disability." References disability and arbitration "death" ruling. ND0002, ND0000263349
KNOW
9/1
2023
KISR Dir. General
POA signed for App 18/241,049 (Patent 12,114,620, KISR). CN-37833. Non-Goldberg signatory; still appointed Litman customer number. POA Table
USE
9/5
2023
Goldberg
POA #3 signed — App 18/242,465 (Patent 12,043,608, KFU, issued 7/23/2024). Reg. 44126, CN-37833. Line 74: "Nath, Goldberg & Meyer; Richard C. Litman." Post-arbitration; OCR-verified signature. POA PDF (OCR-verified)
USECAUSE
9/30
2023
Litman
CLE: "Understanding & Navigating ERISA Long Term Disability Policies." Continued disability status.
KNOW
10/2
2023
Goldberg
POA #4 signed — App 18/241,394 (Patent 12,049,459, KFU, issued 7/30/2024). CN-37833. Post-arbitration. POA Table
USECAUSE
10/13
2023
Lafave
POA signed for App 18/379,906 (Patent 12,043,609, KFU, issued 7/23/2024). CN-37833. Non-Goldberg signatory (Lafave); still CN-37833. POA Table
USE
10/24
2023
Goldberg
POA #5 signed — App 18/383,448 (Patent 11,952,371, KFU, issued 4/9/2024). Reg. 44126, CN-37833. CLEAREST SIGNATURE in evidence set — demonstrative exhibit quality. POA PDF (visual)
USECAUSE
10/29
2023
Goldberg
Assignment Cover Sheet signed for KFU App 18/383,448; correspondent: "RICHARD C. LITMAN NATH, GOLDBERG & MEYER"; Reel 065379/0084. Dual-action: POA + assignment 5 days apart, same application. Assignment screenshots
USECAUSE
10/30
2023
Goldberg
POA #6 signed — App 18/384,685 (Patent 11,932,607, KFU, issued 3/19/2024). CN-37833. Post-arbitration. POA Table
USECAUSE
11/8
2023
Margelle K. Liss
To Litman: "I'm so sorry you're on disability and hope you recover soon." Third-party corroboration of disability status. ND0002, ND0000187111
KNOW
11/16
2023
Goldberg
POA #7 signed — App 18/511,800 (Patent 12,116,333, KFU, issued 10/15/2024). Reg. 44126, CN-37833. Docket 133150.71A. Post-arbitration; OCR-verified. POA PDF (OCR-verified)
USECAUSE
12/13
2023
Ciro Poppiti
Emails rlitman@nathlaw.com for Nicola Pizza trademark work. Outside counsel seeks out Litman by name for trademark matters. Kline Memo
USETRADE
12/21
2023
Goldberg
POA #8 signed — App 18/392,663 (Patent 11,980,937, KFU, issued 5/14/2024). Reg. 44126, CN-37833. Docket 33150.15U. ALSO signed Assignment Cover Sheet same day (Reel 065933/0139). BOTH documents, SAME application, SAME day. THE BOMBSHELL — dual federal documents in one day, both using Litman's name under Goldberg's personal signature. POA PDF + Assignment PDF
USECAUSE

2023 Financial Summary

$6,361,899
Fees Collected
$1,272,380
20% Owed to Litman
$316,870
Arbitration Award Paid
Monthly
Post-Arb Payments

2024 — Pre-SOL-Safe (January – July 20)

1/2
2024
USPTO
Patent US 11,858,934 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: Joshua B. Goldberg. Earliest confirmed date Goldberg's name replaced Litman on KFU patent face (transition marker). EARLIEST_GOLDBERG_FINDINGS.md
CONTROL
1/16
2024
Goldberg
POA #9 signed — App 18/414,442 (Patent 12,054,460, KFU, issued 8/6/2024). CN-37833. Docket 33170.94A. POA Table
USECAUSE
1/16
2024
Kline & Litman
Joint call with Poppiti re Nicola Pizza trademarks. Litman presented as face of firm for trademark work. Kline Memo
USETRADE
1/23
2024
USPTO
Patent US 11,881,807 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. Patent from POA #2 (6/29/2023).
USE
1/24
2024
Karen Van Giezen
Conveys Goldberg's directive: "Josh has requested the following procedure: When you complete work on any matter where Richard Litman is the originating attorney, update the spreadsheet named 'The Pad.'" Goldberg built internal tracking system organized around Litman-originated matters.
TRADECAUSE
1/25
2024
Litman
Elects Employee + Spouse benefits. Active employee status maintained.
KNOW
1/26
2024
Goldberg
POA #10 signed — App 18/411,323 (Patent 12,071,437, KFU, issued 8/27/2024). CN-37833. Docket 33150.41U. POA Table
USECAUSE
1/29
2024
Goldberg
POA #11 signed — App 18/413,239 (Patent 12,062,780, KFU, issued 8/13/2024). CN-37833. Docket 33160.59U. POA Table
USECAUSE
2/8
2024
USPTO
Filing Receipt for App 18/392,663 (bombshell patent): "37833 / Richard C. Litman / Nath, Goldberg & Meyer." Government record bearing Litman's name, caused by Goldberg's 12/21/2023 filing.
USE
2/14
2024
Goldberg
POA #12 signed — App 18/428,327 (Patent 12,054,464, KFU, issued 8/6/2024). CN-37833. Docket 33175.68A. POA Table
USECAUSE
2/22
2024
USPTO
Track One Grant for App 18/392,663 addressed to CN-37833/NGM, Litman as attorney. Ongoing use of name in prosecution correspondence.
USE
2/26
2024
Goldberg
POA #13 signed — App 18/425,923 (Patent 12,065,424, KFU, issued 8/20/2024). CN-37833. Docket 33175.60A. POA Table
USECAUSE
3/19
2024
USPTO
Patent US 11,932,607 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. Patent from POA #6 (10/30/2023).
USE
3/21
2024
Goldberg
POA #14 signed — App 18/612,504 (Patent 12,194,434, KSU, issued 1/14/2025). CN-37833. Docket 33056.80A. Post-arbitration; KSU client (not just KFU). POA Table
USECAUSE
3/27
2024
Meyer
POA signed for App 18/413,239 (Patent 12,062,780, KFU). CN-37833. Docket 33160.59U. Jerald L. Meyer — another NGM partner signing POAs with CN-37833. POA Table
USE
3/2024
USPTO
USPTO Examiner addressed correspondence to "Mr. Litman and Mr. Goldberg." USPTO itself using Litman's name in active prosecution.
USE
4/3-15
2024
USPTO
NOA (PTOL-85) for App 18/392,663: attorney listed as "Richard C. Litman / Nath, Goldberg & Meyer." PTOL-85 is the direct bridge to Line 74 on the issued patent.
USE
4/4
2024
Lafave
IFEE (PTO-85B) submitted for App 18/392,663; issue fee paid from Deposit Account 14-0112. Affirmative submission to trigger patent grant under Litman's name.
CAUSE
4/9
2024
USPTO
Patent US 11,952,371 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. Patent from POA #5 (10/24/2023, clearest signature) + Assignment (10/29/2023).
USE
4/9
2024
Litman
To Goldberg re Nicola Pizza: "The relationship is growing." Acknowledges business development value. Kline Memo
TRADE
4/2024
NGM
Requested new headshot from Litman for website update. Actively refreshing Litman's online presence 4 years after SOL cutoff.
USETRADE
4/25
2024
Goldberg
POA #15 signed — App 18/646,631 (Patent 12,227,748, KSU, issued 2/18/2025). Reg. 44126, CN-37833. Docket 33056.75U. Post-SOL-safe anticipation — hidden attribution patent. IFW Hidden Attribution Memo
USECAUSE
5/7
2024
USPTO
Patent US 11,976,365 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. Patent from POA #1 (3/16/2023).
USE
5/7
2024
USPTO
Filing Receipt for App 18/646,631: "37833 / Richard C. Litman / Nath, Goldberg & Meyer / 112 S. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314." Hidden attribution — front page omits Litman but IFW is saturated.
USE
5/14
2024
USPTO
Patent US 11,980,937 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: "Nath, Goldberg & Meyer; Richard C. Litman." BOMBSHELL PATENT — from Goldberg's 12/21/2023 dual-action day.
USE
5/2024
KSU
Requested official letter confirming "NATH, GOLDBERG & MEYER has acquired LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD." Client still associated NGM with Litman's name.
TRADE
6/2024
Goldberg
To Virginia State Bar: "No, we do not intend to close" the Litman Law Offices entity. Kept Litman name alive for business purposes.
TRADECAUSE
JULY 21, 2024

Post-SOL-Safe Cutoff

Acts after this date are strongest for statute of limitations arguments

2024 — Post-SOL-Safe (July 21 – December 31)

7/21
2024
Milestone
POST-SOL-SAFE CUTOFF. Acts after this date strongest for statute of limitations arguments.
MILESTONE
7/23
2024
USPTO
Patent US 12,043,608 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: "Nath, Goldberg & Meyer; Richard C. Litman." First post-SOL-safe patent. From POA #3 (9/5/2023). 22 outgoing USPTO docs. Richest email trail.
USE
7/23
2024
USPTO
Patent US 12,043,609 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. From Lafave POA (10/13/2023).
USE
7/30
2024
USPTO
Patent US 12,049,459 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. From POA #4 (10/2/2023). 26 outgoing docs.
USE
8/6
2024
USPTO
Patent US 12,054,460 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. From POA #9 (1/16/2024).
USE
8/6
2024
USPTO
Patent US 12,054,464 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. From POA #12 (2/14/2024).
USE
8/13
2024
USPTO
Patent US 12,062,780 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. From Meyer POA (3/27/2024).
USE
8/19
2024
NGM
Second KNPC application filed (33060.78U, App 18/808,339) — post-SOL-safe. KNPC work continues; billed under Litman. ND0000265414
TRADECONTROL
8/20
2024
USPTO
Patent US 12,065,424 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. From POA #13 (2/26/2024).
USE
8/27
2024
USPTO
Patent US 12,071,437 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. From POA #10 (1/26/2024).
USE
9/30
2024
NGM
KNPC POA filed for App 18/808,339 (33060.78U). Continuing POA filings under CN-37833. ND0000199628
CAUSE
9/30
2024
Goldberg
"the previous attorney, apparently still the attorney of record according to the USPTO." Acknowledges attorney-of-record designation persists; exploits it. ND0000199619 / ND0000268813 (Admission #12 context)
KNOWCAUSE
10/8
2024
USPTO
Patent D1,046,141 issues (KSU Design). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. Design patent; from 8/16/2020 POA.
USE
10/2024
Dakota AG Innov.
Client calls NGM "The Litman Law office." External confirmation of name identification. Kline Memo
TRADE
10/15
2024
USPTO
Patent US 12,114,620 B1 issues (KISR). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. From KISR POA (9/1/2023). 118 Martha emails on this docket.
USE
10/15
2024
USPTO
Patent US 12,116,333 B1 issues (KFU). Line 74: "Nath, Goldberg & Meyer; Richard C. Litman." From POA #7 (11/16/2023).
USE
11/2024
Litman
"Josh, I would appreciate the money due through October and the reports you have." Begging for payments while name still being used.
TRADECONSENT
11/2024
Martha Long
Still filing POAs for Kuwait University patents. Continued name use directed by firm.
USECAUSE
12/3
2024
USPTO
Patent US 12,157,086 B1 issues (KNPC). Line 74: Joshua B. Goldberg. KNPC control proof: Goldberg chose his own name here, Litman's on 905 others.
CONTROL
12/2024
Litman
"Josh, Would appreciate the money and reports for last month." Continued begging for payment.
TRADECONSENT

2024 Financial Summary

$5,102,417
Fees Collected
$1,020,483
20% Owed to Litman
$1,020,483
Paid (Monthly)
76-79%
Litman Revenue Share

2025

1/3
2025
USPTO
NOA for App 18/646,631 (Patent 12,227,748): "37833 / Richard C. Litman / Nath, Goldberg & Meyer." Hidden attribution patent — NOA addressed to Litman. IFW Hidden Attribution Memo
USE
1/7
2025
Lafave
IFEE (PTOL-85B) signed for Patent 12,227,748; Section 2 lists "1. Nath, Goldberg & Meyer / 2. Joshua B. Goldberg"; Deposit Account 14-0112. Fee payment confirming issuance under Litman's correspondence.
CAUSE
1/14
2025
USPTO
Patent US 12,194,434 B1 issues (KSU). Line 74: Richard C. Litman. From POA #14 (3/21/2024). 134 total emails on docket. Last patent in main dataset.
USE
1/17
2025
Goldberg
POA #16 signed — App 19/028,392 (Patent 12,303,254, KSU, issued 5/20/2025). Reg. 44126, CN-37833. Docket 33115.39U. MOST RECENT Goldberg POA — 7 months after post-SOL-safe, deep into 2025. IFW Hidden Attribution Memo
USECAUSE
2/11
2025
USPTO
Filing Receipt for App 19/028,392 (Patent 12,303,254): "37833 / Richard C. Litman / Nath, Goldberg & Meyer." Hidden attribution — filing receipt addressed to Litman.
USE
2/18
2025
USPTO
Patent US 12,227,748 B1 issues (KSU). Hidden attribution patent — front page may omit Litman but entire IFW addressed to him. 16 outgoing documents bearing Litman's name. From POA #15 (4/25/2024).
USE
4/9
2025
USPTO
NOA for App 19/028,392 (Patent 12,303,254): "37833 / Richard C. Litman / Nath, Goldberg & Meyer." Ongoing name use deep into 2025.
USE
4/16
2025
Lafave
IFEE (PTOL-85B) signed for Patent 12,303,254; Section 2 lists "1. Nath, Goldberg & Meyer / 2. Joshua B. Goldberg"; Deposit Account 14-0112. Fee payment — months after lawsuit filing anticipated.
CAUSE
4/22
2025
USPTO
Patent US 12,280,479 B1 issues (KNPC). Line 74: Joshua B. Goldberg. Second KNPC patent: Goldberg's name, not Litman's — control proof.
CONTROL
4/29
2025
NGM
Fourth KNPC application filed (33060.81U) — still under "Richard Litman (RL)" in billing. Continued billing under Litman while putting Goldberg on Line 74. ND0000196510
TRADECONTROL
5/20
2025
USPTO
Patent US 12,303,254 B1 issues (KSU). Hidden attribution patent — front page may omit Litman but entire IFW addressed to him. 12 outgoing documents. From POA #16 (1/17/2025, most recent Goldberg POA).
USE
JUNE 15, 2025

Late-Period Cutoff

"Especially problematic" — five years after SOL cutoff

2025 — Late Period & Pre-Lawsuit

6/2
2025
Goldberg
Email: "a list of all clients in Soluno listing you as the Responsible Attorney, Lead Attorney, and for whom you are receiving Origination Credit." Confirms Litman still listed as responsible attorney in billing system.
TRADE
6/5
2025
Financial
$3,183,566 in outstanding AR attributed to "Richard Litman" as responsible lawyer. Massive ongoing receivables under Litman's name. Receivables_All.xlsx
TRADE
6/10
2025
Litman
Explicitly asked to be removed from nathlaw.com website. Goldberg IGNORED the request.
CONSENT
6/10
2025
USPTO
Certificate of Correction filed for Patent 12,303,254 — post-issuance activity still under CN-37833. Name use continues even after patent issues.
USE
6/21
2025
Wayback Machine
Last confirmed capture of nathlaw.com showing Litman as "PATENT ATTORNEY" (no "Retired"). Website use documented through this date. Wayback capture screenshot
USETRADE
6/24
2025
Litman
"There is no basis without my consent that I should still be listed on USPTO filings associated with NGM... You can't have it both ways. If I'm being removed from the benefits, the public-facing use of my name and affiliation should end as well." BOMBSHELL #1 — the single most important email. Explicit denial of consent + connects name use to benefits cutoff. ND0000264017
CONSENT
6/28
2025
Litman
Formal objection letter to Heba Carter (NGM's lawyer): "Your client continued to publicly and professionally present me as Senior Counsel continuously from April 2017 through June 2025, five(5) years after the termination date you represented." Reserves all rights and remedies. BOMBSHELL #2 — formal legal objection with 4 categories of unauthorized use. ND0000264022
CONSENT
6/28
2025
Heba Carter
NEVER responded to Litman's formal objection. Silence = no defense offered.
CONSENT
6/30
2025
Employment
Employment terminated / COBRA election triggered ($2,867.11/month premium). Benefits cutoff — triggered the lawsuit.
TRADE
~late
7/2025
NGM
Auto-reply installed on rlitman@nathlaw.com: "Richard Litman is no longer with the organization. If you need immediate assistance... please contact Joshua Goldberg." Auto-reply itself still uses Litman's name.
USE
7/10
2025
Litman
Demands: "Please have your clients remove immediately and not destroy or conceal archival records showing NGM's use of my image, name and status as Senior Counsel." Preservation demand.
CONSENT
JULY 21, 2025

Lawsuit Filed

Litman v. Goldberg, Index No. 524343/2025 — NY Supreme Court, Kings County

Post-Lawsuit Events & Court Proceedings

7/21
2025
Milestone
LAWSUIT FILED — Litman v. Goldberg, Index No. 524343/2025, NY Sup. Ct., Kings County. 5 counts filed; Count V (Section 50-51) survives.
MILESTONE
7/23
2025
NGM
Third KNPC application filed (33060.79U, App 19/277,913) — 2 DAYS AFTER LAWSUIT FILED — using CN-37833 but Goldberg on Line 74. Post-lawsuit filing; still using Litman's customer number.
CONTROLCAUSE
7/29
2025
USPTO
TM receipt sent to rlitman@nathlaw.com (hits auto-reply). Trademark filings still addressed to Litman post-lawsuit. Kline Memo
USE
6/21-
9/5/25
NGM
Between these dates, Litman removed from nathlaw.com professionals page. Controlled removal — firm managed presentation of Litman's identity. Wayback CDX analysis
CAUSE
10/10
2025
Connell Foley
EDNY Opposition filed (1:25-cv-04048-PKC-PK, DN 25). Exhibit C to DN 25 = text message excerpts. The Goldberg Declaration is a separate filing from the sanctions motion. Federal case opposition — may contain additional admissions.
12/5
2025
Judge Maslow
Oral decision: Counts I-IV dismissed; Count V (Section 50-51) SURVIVES. Only misappropriation of name claim remains.
MILESTONE
12/30
2025
USPTO
Patent US 12,510,313 B1 issues (KNPC). Line 74: Joshua B. Goldberg. Third KNPC patent (filed 2 days after lawsuit). Goldberg on Line 74, billed under Litman.
CONTROL
1/20
2026
Goldberg
Verified Answer filed (Doc #65) — ADMITS Litman's name appeared on patent front pages and NGM website after 6/15/2020 (Paras. 32, 72). ADMITS Litman disabled June 2020 (Para. 39). ADMITS he is co-managing partner (Para. 8). DENIES he "caused" it (Para. 33) — contradicted by 16 POAs. DENIES Nunc Pro Tunc Assignment (Para. 38) — contradicted by USPTO record. Raises 10 affirmative defenses including consent (Defense #10). Key admissions locked in under oath. Doc #65, NYSCEF
USEKNOW
2/17
2026
Goldberg
RFA Responses served — multiple admissions under oath: admits Litman's name appeared on patent front pages and NGM website after 6/15/2020, admits co-managing partner status, admits Litman disabled. Sworn admissions that cannot be withdrawn — lock in Elements 1, 2, and 4.
USEKNOW
2/19
2026
Court
Preliminary Conference — case reassigned from Maslow to Hon. Brian L. Gotlieb, J.S.C.
2/20
2026
Goldberg
SharePoint archive produced to Litman (276,899 emails). Source of email evidence corpus.
2/24
2026
Goldberg
Goldberg deposition fails — deposition scheduled but did not proceed. Deposition deadline: June 2, 2026.
2/26
2026
Goldberg
Discovery Responses filed — asked for consent document, produced NONE; pointed only to Combination Agreement. De facto admission no written consent exists.
CONSENT
3/27
2026
Analysis
Comprehensive evidence analysis session — Trust ledger analyzed ($32.7M under "Responsible Lawyer 418 Richard Litman"); Gmail integration completed; arbitration filings fully analyzed; Combination Agreement + Amendment read (zero name provisions found); text messages analyzed (51 pages, Litman uses "fraud"); professional liability policy obtained (Litman listed as "Of Counsel"); Federal Exhibit A obtained (authenticated POAs); PI Opposition analyzed (revenue share admissions); Goldberg BOP response analyzed ("purely as a courtesy"). Major evidence consolidation — 12 new categories of evidence obtained in single session.
MILESTONE
3/28
2026
Analysis
Second Gmail account swept; financial gap analysis completed — 938 attachments extracted from 2 Gmail accounts; all briefs updated; NGM Client List analyzed (631/1,107 clients); WIP Report analyzed (453 RL matters); MSJ brief 5-point structure finalized. Evidence record substantially complete for MSJ filing.
MILESTONE

Upcoming Deadlines

4/2/2026
BOPs Due
6/2/2026
Depositions Complete
9/22/2026
Compliance Conference (CCP Rm 282, 9:30am, Judge Gotlieb)
2/5/2027
Note of Issue

Complete POA Signature Table — All 16 Goldberg Signatures

# POA Date App Number Patent Client Docket Post-Arb? Element
12023-03-1618/122,39611,976,365KFU33101.73UNoUSE CAUSE
22023-06-2918/215,35211,881,807KFU33110.68UYes (15 days)USE CAUSE
32023-09-0518/242,46512,043,608KFU33120.91UYesUSE CAUSE
42023-10-0218/241,39412,049,459KFU33120.88UYesUSE CAUSE
52023-10-2418/383,44811,952,371KFU(see assign.)YesUSE CAUSE
62023-10-3018/384,68511,932,607KFU33135.26UYesUSE CAUSE
72023-11-1618/511,80012,116,333KFU33150.71AYesUSE CAUSE
82023-12-2118/392,66311,980,937KFU33150.15UYesUSE CAUSE
92024-01-1618/414,44212,054,460KFU33170.94AYesUSE CAUSE
102024-01-2618/411,32312,071,437KFU33150.41UYesUSE CAUSE
112024-01-2918/413,23912,062,780KFU33160.59UYesUSE CAUSE
122024-02-1418/428,32712,054,464KFU33175.68AYesUSE CAUSE
132024-02-2618/425,92312,065,424KFU33175.60AYesUSE CAUSE
142024-03-2118/612,50412,194,434KSU33056.80AYesUSE CAUSE
152024-04-2518/646,63112,227,748KSU33056.75UYesUSE CAUSE
162025-01-1719/028,39212,303,254KSU33115.39UYesUSE CAUSE

Other POA Signatories (Non-Goldberg, Still CN-37833)

DateApp NumberPatentSignatoryClient
2020-08-16D/746,671D1,046,141Reg. 147148 (other)KSU
2023-09-0118/241,04912,114,620KISR Acting Dir. GeneralKISR
2023-10-1318/379,90612,043,609James LafaveKFU

Annual Financial Summary

YearFees Collected20% OwedPaid to LitmanPattern
2020 (post-6/15)$1,653,523$330,705$255,000$75K/quarter
2021$1,821,985$364,397$120,000$30K/quarter (declining)
2022$2,642,940$528,588$814,890 (incl. lump)Lump sum catch-up
2023$6,361,899$1,272,380 (+ $316,870 arb)All paid monthly post-arbArb triggered monthly
2024$5,102,417$1,020,483$1,020,483Monthly, zeroed
2025 (thru May)$943,696$188,739~$160,299$28,440 pending
TOTAL$18,526,460$4,022,162——
Additional Financial FactsValue
Price paid for "Litman Law Offices" service mark (2017)$214,532
Outstanding AR under Litman's name (June 2025)$3,183,566
Trust accounts under "Responsible Lawyer 418 (Richard Litman)"$1,439,251
Grand total billed under Litman matters (2017-2025)$32,448,690
Firm revenue dependency on Litman-originated work76-79%

Key Bombshell Emails — Quick Reference

#DateFromKey QuoteElement
16/24/2025Litman to Goldberg"There is no basis without my consent that I should still be listed on USPTO filings... You can't have it both ways"CONSENT
26/28/2025Litman to Heba Carter"Your client continued to publicly and professionally present me as Senior Counsel continuously from April 2017 through June 2025"CONSENT
37/18/2023Litman to Goldberg"I did not agree... We need to ensure there is no likelihood of confusion resulting from NGM's use of my name"CONSENT
45/1/2023Litman to Goldberg"were not agreed to by me at anytime"CONSENT
53/1/2023Litman to Goldberg"I trusted you to honor the combination agreement. I am disappointed"CONSENT
61/10/2023Litman to Goldberg"Our communications should not be interpreted as agreeing to anything"CONSENT
76/7/2021Litman to Goldberg"Do you think my gracious retirement from the firm at this time will help?" (not retired yet)CONSENT
85/21/2021Tanya Harkins"he doesn't work here anymore" (Goldberg CC'd)KNOW CONSENT
912/21/2023GoldbergSigned BOTH POA and Assignment Cover Sheet, same day, same applicationUSE CAUSE
101/17/2023Goldberg to Martha Long"Either a withdrawal of our Power of Attorney... needs to be filed" — understood mechanismCAUSE KNOW

Key Admissions — Quick Reference

#SourceDateAdmissionElement
1Answer Para. 321/20/2026Name appeared on patent front pages after 6/15/2020USE
2Answer Para. 321/20/2026Name and biography on NGM website after 6/15/2020USE
3Answer Para. 721/20/2026Repeats patent + website admission under Count VUSE
4Answer Para. 391/20/2026Litman became physically disabled June 2020KNOW
5Answer Para. 81/20/2026Goldberg is co-managing partner of NGMCAUSE
6Answer Paras. 1, 61/20/2026Practice sold in 2017 under Combination AgreementTRADE
7Discovery Resp. #12/26/2026No consent document producedCONSENT
8Discovery Resp. #52/26/2026SharePoint archive produced to Litman—
9Harkins email5/21/2021"he doesn't work here anymore"KNOW CONSENT
10Goldberg email1/17/2023POA mechanism controls attorney statusCAUSE KNOW
11Goldberg email6/19/2023Directed POA filing 5 days post-arbitrationCAUSE
12Nunc Pro Tunc Assign.(undated)"Assignor owns his name, signature, voice, image..."CONSENT

KNPC Control Proof Summary

FactLitman PatentsKNPC PatentsWhat It Proves
Line 74 attorneyRichard C. LitmanJoshua B. GoldbergGoldberg chose whose name appeared
Billing system attorneyRichard Litman (RL)Richard Litman (RL)Same internal attribution regardless
Customer NumberCN-37833CN-37833Same system, different name choice
Number of patents9053Scale of deliberate name use
Post-lawsuit filingN/AApp filed 7/23/2025 (2 days after)Continued use even under litigation

Deposition Priority Questions

  1. December 21, 2023
    "Walk us through every document you signed that day for App 18/392,663."
  2. June 19, 2023
    "Five days after the arbitration, you directed Martha Long to file a POA. Did you have Litman's permission?"
  3. January 17, 2023
    "You explained that a 'withdrawal of our Power of Attorney' needs to be filed to change attorney status. You never filed one for Litman. Why?"
  4. September 17, 2020
    "You agreed to treat Litman's disability 'like death' and maintain him as Senior Counsel 'without duties.' How can someone with 'no duties' be attorney of record on patent filings?"
  5. July 18, 2023
    "Litman told you 'we need to ensure there is no likelihood of confusion resulting from NGM's use of my name.' What did you do in response?"
  6. January 17, 2025
    "You signed POA #16 for App 19/028,392. This is seven months after the post-SOL-safe cutoff. Did you inform Litman?"
  7. KNPC Comparison
    "You put your name on KNPC patents but Litman's name on 905 others. What was the basis for that distinction?"