No company wants to be involved in commercial litigation for issues that may have been handled outside of court. However, if efforts to resolve the problem are unsuccessful, litigation may be the best option for a company. If your company is a party to commercial litigation, contact an experienced Towson commercial litigation attorney to examine your case.
The Heyman Law Firm is committed to representing your companies that are engaged in complex commercial litigation. Our firm has worked with large and small businesses in Towson, MD across various industries, and we would be honored to offer you our services. To schedule a confidential legal consultation, contact the Heyman Law Firm at (410) 305-9287. You may also contact the firm online.
5 Common Commercial Litigation Claims in Towson, MD
Commercial litigation can encompass a variety of legal claims. For example, disputes can arise between commercial tenants and landlords or between an employer and an employee. The Heyman Law Firm is here to discuss common commercial legal claims in Towson that we can help you dispute.
Intellectual Property Disputes
Intellectual property is one of the most essential parts of operating a successful business. Whether purposely or incidentally, every company will take time to develop trade secrets, client lists, inventions, and many other forms of intellectual property. However, some disputes may arise regarding how intellectual property is utilized.
One common issue is determining who owns the rights to intellectual property. For example, if an employee developed intellectual property while working for their employer, a dispute may arise to determine who actually owns the intellectual property. If a contract does not address the ownership of intellectual property, commercial litigation could be necessary to resolve the issue.
Additionally, commercial litigation may also be necessary if the intellectual property of a company is being leaked. For example, if a former employee takes their knowledge of intellectual property and provides it to their new employer, this could violate agreements between the former employee and the employer.
Employment Agreements
When hiring a new employee, a company may present an employment agreement that outlines the terms of the employment. One standard contract used by employers is a non-compete agreement. A non-compete agreement is a contract that states that an employee is prohibited from working for an employer’s competitors under certain circumstances. For example, a former employee may not be able to work for a competitor within 20 miles of their former employer.
Many disputes occur because of the misapplication of a non-compete agreement. For example, if a non-compete agreement is too strict regarding where a former employee can work, this issue may result in litigation. Employers must always remember that broad non-compete agreements are more likely to be invalidated by a court.
Non-disclosure agreements (NDA) are another common employment agreement that could cause potential legal issues. For example, if an attorney leaves a firm and provides their new employer with the client list of their former firm, they could severely harm the interests of their former firm. NDAs are executed to avoid scenarios such as this, where a former employee could disseminate confidential information. However, some employees may breach an NDA to advance their own interests.
Commercial Lease Disputes
Many business owners will look to lease property they can use to operate and continue to grow their business. When executing a lease agreement, a landlord and a tenant should ensure the contract addresses issues that could lead to a dispute during the term of the lease. For example, if a contract should address which party is responsible for repairs that must be made to the property.
Other issues that may occur in a commercial lease dispute include:
- Issues with subleasing of the property
- Lease renewal and termination issues
- Failure to disclose material information
- Eviction of a tenant
Breach of Contract Claims
Contracts are at the heart of every business. Successful businesses execute contracts with clients, other companies, suppliers, and various other parties. When a contract is breached, there are multiple interests that can be hurt. For example, if a supplier breaches a contract, a business may not receive a shipment, they need to continue to operate their business efficiently.
If you believe that another person or entity breached a contract and subsequently harmed your business, you should consider speaking with an experienced Towson MD commercial litigation attorney as soon as possible.
Shareholder Disputes
The officers of a corporation must always keep the interests of shareholders in mind when making decisions on behalf of the business. Corporate officers that fail to meet their fiduciary duties risk the possibility of harming the shareholders and company as a whole. This can often lead to shareholder derivative suits against executives of a corporation and possibly other legal claims.
There are various other commercial litigation claims not discussed above that our firm can handle for you. The Heyman Law Firm recognizes how a commercial litigation claim can disrupt your business, and we are here to provide you with options tailored to your unique claim.
Work with Our Experienced Towson, MD Commercial Litigation Team to Discuss Your Case
If you require legal assistance to litigate your commercial claim, contact an experienced Towson commercial litigation lawyer today. The business law attorneys at the Heyman Law Firm possess a wealth of experience litigating a variety of commercial litigation claims, and we are prepared to help you determine appropriate legal options for your case. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact the Heyman Law Firm at (410) 305-9287.