Performance Shop Locked My Car’s Computer

I believe I have a case for legal action against an auto performance shop that “locked” my car’s computer after tuning it.

For some background, as an auto enthusiast and non competitive track day participant, I paid a local auto performance shop to do a comprehensive “dyno tune” which involves tuning with a computer the myriad of parameters the car’s various systems (fuel, air, spark, etc) use to optimize performance. This is critical after major engine modifications.

Unbeknownst to me, the shop “locked” MY car’s computer, preventing me or anyone else from being able to further modify/tune it in any way. I’ve essentially been locked out of my own car’s engine management system, something that I absolutely did not agree to in advance.

The shop is claiming that the programming is THEIR intellectual property, and they lock tunes in order to prevent other tuners from being able to “see” their work product. In theory, they claim, with the exact same modifications and car model year, model and make, another tuner could copy their work and “steal” it, using it for other cars.

This is, however, I believe, legally irrelevant. They did not get my permission to lock MY computer. I believe it would be the same as if my HVAC repair guy locked my furnace with a chain and padlock, claiming it was to prevent other repairmen from seeing his work and copying his methods. Does this sound like a viable claim to peruse them in small claims court, to at minimum force them to unlock my computer? Really curious and appreciate any responses and opinions here.