Maria Magicpen, who wanted to become a screenwriter, believed she had a great idea for the next great television comedy show, and for two straight years, she worked hard at developing that idea. Ultimately, she submitted her idea to the ABC network, hoping that its executives would feel the same way. It’s well known in the industry that aspiring screenwriters submit their ideas to the various television networks with the expectation that they will be paid if their ideas are picked up and utilized by a network for the creation of a television show. In Maria’s case, ABC responded to her submission by notifying her it was not interested in the idea she presented to it. However, four years later, ABC produced a successful show that resembled exactly what Maria had submitted to ABC. Maria was extremely upset, and immediately contacted her attorney. Based on the materials we have studied and discussed in class, identify a claim that Maria could have against NBC.
For example, based on the conduct of the parties, could she argue that a contract was formed between her and NBC and, if so, what would her claim be? Additionally, if Maria did not believe a contract was formed, what could her claim be?