The appellant appealed a trial judgment ordering him to pay $3.8 million for breach of a real estate joint venture agreement.
The appellant argued the respondent was disentitled to the funds for trading in real estate without a license and sought disgorgement of a commission.
The respondent cross-appealed for punitive damages and a higher rate of prejudgment interest.
The Court of Appeal dismissed both the appeal and cross-appeal, finding the respondent was exempt from licensing requirements as it was dealing with its own interest, the commission was properly disclosed, and the appellant's conduct did not meet the exceptional threshold required for punitive damages.