A dispute over the ownership of the patent for Calgary's ParkPlus system could cause even more problems for the severance package for the two managers fired on Thursday.

The city has confirmed that Dale Fraser and Al Bazar's names are on the U.S. patent for ParkPlus.

Under U.S. law, an individual's name must be on patents whereas Canadian law states a company name can be written on a patent.

As a result, Fraser and Bazar could own the technology and that could factor in to their severance packages from the company.

Officials say that they were fired after a review of the institution last year said the Calgary Parking Authority suffered from perceived arrogance, poor media relations, and a lack of strong service focus.

An interim general manager has been appointed to oversee day-to-day operations until a new one is selected.