On reading the linked legal documents [0][1], it seems that the CEO is trying to make the case that the CTO is focusing on CopperheadOS in a development role, rather than looking at it as a product. I don't know if that's true or not, but I could see why it would lead to this conflict.
However, I'm curious how Copperhead the company can send these letters demanding that the 50% co-owner do this or that. As equal owner, couldn't he respond to these letters by asking the company lawyers to send a letter back to the CEO making similar demands? Is the CEO "more in control" than the CTO because CEO is a higher position, even though they're equal partners?
IANAL, but if the operating agreement is set up so that the CEO has a specific power, then the next layer up would be for the shareholders to amend the operating agreement. If the CEO and CTO are equal partners, neither would be able to obtain a majority vote and the operating agreement would stay as it is - assuming, of course, that the agreement requires a majority vote for amendment.
It sounds like the CEO de facto controls the company in this case, and can ignore the other shareholder at will. He could block communications with him and basically have a silent partner.
Sorry, I'm unfamiliar with with corprate structure - would that mean he's the only member of the board? In that case I suppose I see how he could be the one making demands, since the CTO with only a 50% share wouldn't be able to restructure the board to include himself.
Actually, the letter says "On the assumption that you have no wish to depart the Company, the elements of a CTO
job description the Company considers important are set out in the attached proposed
job description. We invite your comments on that draft." So without the contents of the attachment, we can't know what actions you're saying you expect of him.
However, I'm curious how Copperhead the company can send these letters demanding that the 50% co-owner do this or that. As equal owner, couldn't he respond to these letters by asking the company lawyers to send a letter back to the CEO making similar demands? Is the CEO "more in control" than the CTO because CEO is a higher position, even though they're equal partners?
[0]: https://paste.xinu.at/RrWPGW/
[1]: https://paste.xinu.at/MBEyCM/