Augstein v. Leslie

2012 WL 4928914 (2012)

Facts

D is a musician. While on tour in Germany, D's laptop computer, external hard drive, and certain other belongings were stolen. The laptop contained valuable intellectual property, including music and videos related to D's records and performances. In videos, news articles, and online postings, D stated that he would pay $20,000-later increased to $1 million-to anyone who returned his property. P returned the laptop and hard drive, D refused to pay the reward because, De alleges, the intellectual property for which he valued the laptop was not present on the hard drive when it was returned. D and several staff members tried to access the data on the hard drive but were unable to do so. D sent the hard drive to the manufacturer, Avastor, which ultimately deleted the information prior to sending D a replacement. P claims that D after he received correspondence from P regarding the collection of the reward, caused the hard drive to be erased. P has moved for summary judgment on the validity of the offer, the reward, and his acceptance by performance. P had returned the laptop to the police in Germany.