If you’re in the middle of a business dispute, you may be wondering where to turn for help resolving it. It can feel daunting to deal with a problem involving your business. You probably have a lot of questions. You might be thinking, “Can we sort this out without a lawsuit? How much will it cost to fix this problem? What are my options for resolving the dispute?” Daigle Law Office advises business owners like you about disputes, carefully answering their questions and helping them move forward.
What Is a Business Dispute?
A business dispute is a disagreement between two or more people in a business setting that requires legal advice or intervention to resolve. Business disputes can arise in any size of business and any industry. There are a few common types of business disputes that our attorneys are familiar with, such as ownership disputes, shareholder disputes, contract disputes, and intellectual property disputes.
Ownership Disputes
An ownership dispute refers to a disagreement among the people running the business. For example, when one partner in a partnership wants to sell the business, but the other partner does not want to sell, a dispute arises. The partners may need legal advice to clarify their obligations to each other as partners. Another example is when several members of an LLC want to force out another member. They should consult a lawyer to determine if their goal is legally achievable and, if so, how to accomplish it.
Shareholder Disputes
A shareholder dispute can arise when one or more shareholders of a company disagree with the direction that the company is going. For example, think of a small, family-owned company where several family members are the shareholders. The family patriarch, who is on the board of directors and is CEO, makes a questionable decision about purchasing a new property. Family members grumble about the decision and wonder if they can challenge it before the company incurs significant financial losses. They should consult a business lawyer to learn about their rights as shareholders.
Contract Disputes
A contract dispute involves a disagreement about the terms of a business contract. For example, a business owner may seek legal advice if she believes that another business she works with has violated the terms of their contract by delivering products late. Or an employee may have legal questions about the terms of an agreement their employer is requiring them to sign. Contract issues often arise when there is an unforeseen circumstance keeping one party from fulfilling their obligations, when a contract term is vague or ambiguous, or when the scope of the work needed suddenly changes.
Intellectual Property Disputes
Intellectual property includes things like trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Lawyers may need to step in when two businesses have very similar trademarks or when trade secrets get leaked. For businesses concerned about potential intellectual property issues, lawyers can assist in implementing confidentiality agreements and other safeguards.
Legal Help with Business Disputes
If you’re facing any of the business disputes listed above (or another kind of dispute), please reach out to Daigle Law Office for advice. Our knowledgeable lawyers help Massachusetts businesspeople work out their disputes, providing practical solutions for difficult problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to file a lawsuit to resolve my business dispute?
Not necessarily, we are able to resolve many business disputes without the need for litigation. Often, talking out the options and learning about legal rights helps businesspeople find a path forward. For challenging disputes, business mediation is one option to explore before filing a lawsuit.
If I prevail in my business dispute, what could I receive in damages?
Damages in business disputes depend on the terms of the contract involved and what the other party did to breach it. For instance, if another business delivered a product late, you might be able to recover the cost of a replacement product to meet your delivery deadline. In other situations, you might have the right to terminate a contract or secure a judgment protecting your business’s rights.
Business Dispute Questions? Let Us Help
Are you looking for a dependable, experienced lawyer who can advise on your business dispute? Daigle Law Office’s attorneys can provide you with experienced Massachusetts business dispute help. It’s not easy to deal with business disagreements, especially when they affect your bottom line. We help clients dealing with tough situations who need solid, reliable legal advice. To schedule a consultation, call 508-771-7444 or use our convenient Contact Form.
