The founder already personally owned the trademark to "We" well before they made that decision? That's lucky. In that case wouldn't he simply have to divulge

The founder already personally owned the trademark to "We" well before they made that decision? That's lucky. In that case wouldn't he simply have to divulge that fact early on in the decision-making process? "Guys, maybe I should recuse myself on this decision since I'm in a bit of a conflict..."