I'm really interested by these kinds of IP transfers... is there any reading material about them? This is not the first time I've heard of them, it sounds like one of the only viable ways of removing shareholders that you don't want in the company.
But it also sounds batshit crazy... shareholders should have more than just 'trust' that a founder isn't going to screw them over so easily.
It is of course actionable, but that assumes that everyone involved is on equal financial footing. Me, independent developer, vs a $13.65 billion market cap company and a cofounder worth more than $100 million usually won't end well no matter how egregious the conduct was.
You can hire lawyers on a contingency basis, which means they don't get paid unless they win. Typically they want half of the settlement money. $7 million dollars is still a lot, and it could be more if there are damages.
I know someone who went up against a Dow 30 tech company like this, won $8 million, and walked away with $2 million after tax. Let me know if you want more details, I'll email you.
But it also sounds batshit crazy... shareholders should have more than just 'trust' that a founder isn't going to screw them over so easily.