Business Litigation

California and New York Business Lawyers and Commercial Litigators

When companies do business, disputes are bound to arise—and sometimes those disagreements cannot be resolved. This is when a business lawyer and commercial litigator can help. We understand that dispute resolution may mean the difference between profit and loss.

The Blum Law Firm represents businesses and individuals in many different industries in prosecuting and defending a wide variety of complex business litigation claims, which often involve claims made for breach of contract, as well as business tort claims, such as fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and improper and unauthorized use of confidential information and trade secrets.

We also represent shareholders and partners in disputes that arise internally within privately held businesses. In this area, as in most others, the firm represents both plaintiffs and defendants. The firm also represents and protects the rights of shareholders, corporate officers, directors, managers and general partners in the context of “business divorces.”

Some of the most common types of legal claims involving business disputes are:

• • • When a party to a contract fails to substantially perform within the agreed-upon time frame, the other party may sue for breach of contract.
    • A tort, fraud involves a false representation that one party relies on and sustains damages as a result.
    • The tort of misrepresentation occurs when a business is misled by a false statement and induced to enter a contract. The deceived party may sue for damages and ask that the business contract be rescinded.
    • Conversion occurs when someone assumes ownership of goods without authorization and deprives the owner of its rights. The wrongdoer may be sued.
    • When a third party persuades someone to break a contract or intentionally interferes with a business relationship, the harmed party may file a tort suit alleging intentional interference with contract.
    • If a company’s intellectual property such as trademarks, copyrights, logos and trade dress — are used without its permission, a claim may be made for infringement.
    • Shareholder and partnership litigation may arise in private corporations – especially when one party is leaving the business. Minority stakeholders may believe they are being oppressed by the majority owners. Majority owners, controlling shareholders and directors may also have claims against those with minority stakes in a company.