A dispute over payment for staffing services has led to a lawsuit in which a staffing company claims it is owed more than $108,000 for work performed under a contract. The legal action centers on allegations that one party failed to pay invoices as required by their agreement, raising questions about contractual obligations and business practices.
The complaint was filed by Actalent, Inc., an engineering and sciences staffing company, in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on April 24, 2026. The defendant named in the suit is Protection Technologies LLC.
According to court documents, Actalent entered into a contract with Protection Technologies on July 16, 2025, to provide recruitment and staffing services. Under the terms of this agreement, Protection Technologies was responsible for paying Actalent based on weekly invoices submitted for work performed by contract employees. The agreement stipulated that payments were due within fifteen days of each invoice and that any disputes regarding invoices had to be raised within five business days of receipt.
The filing states that from August to October 2025, Actalent sent invoices to an email address provided by Protection Technologies and received timely payments during this period. Michael Singer, identified as President of Protection Technologies and signatory to the agreement, was copied on these communications. However, beginning in November 2025 through December 2025, Actalent sent five invoices directly to Mr. Singer’s email address. These invoices—dated November 13, November 20, November 27, December 4, and December 11—totaled $108,074.83 and allegedly went unpaid.
On January 12, 2026, Protection Technologies informed Actalent that it had not received these five invoices. In response, Actalent promptly re-sent them to the previously used billing email address. Despite repeated attempts by Actalent to coordinate payment—including resending the outstanding invoices—the company claims that no payment has been made for these services.
Actalent asserts that it fulfilled all its contractual duties by providing agreed-upon staffing services and submitting proper documentation for payment. The complaint outlines several provisions from the agreement: late charges at one percent per month on overdue balances; presumption of invoice accuracy unless disputed within five business days; and liability for collection costs including attorneys’ fees if default occurs.
The lawsuit brings two main causes of action: breach of contract and unjust enrichment (the latter pleaded as an alternative). For breach of contract, Actalent alleges that Protection Technologies failed to pay despite having accepted both the services rendered and the corresponding invoices. As a result of this alleged breach, Actalent claims damages amounting to $108,074.83 plus late fees, collection costs, attorneys’ fees, pre-judgment interest, post-judgment interest, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
In its claim for unjust enrichment—which would apply if no enforceable contract is found—Actalent argues that it conferred valuable benefits upon Protection Technologies with the expectation of payment. The complaint states: “It is against equity and good conscience to permit Protection Technologies to retain the $108,074.83 worth of benefits that Actalent provided.”
Actalent requests judgment against Protection Technologies in an amount no less than $108,074.83 along with all applicable fees and interest as specified in their agreement or determined by law. Additionally, Actalent has requested a jury trial on all matters presented in its complaint.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Brian M. Lands of Shook Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., based in Philadelphia. The case number assigned is 2:26-cv-04544.
Source: 226cv04544_Actalent_Inc_v_Protection_Technologies_LLC_Complaint_District_New_Jersey.pdf
