Fraud can be devastating to a business. For one, it can be a major drain on the financial resources of a company. Also, fraud within a business can destroy trust among important players in the business, such as partners in the business. Trust among these...
Business Torts
Handling a non-performing business partner
If a California business owner is dissatisfied with the performance of a business partner, certain actions can be taken to resolve the dispute. How the situation is dealt with depends on a variety of factors, including how the business is organized and the contents of...
What is a trade secret?
Ever wondered what Apple does to make its products cool, even though it has competitors who essentially sell the same products? Ever wonder how McDonald's makes its fries so crispy and irresistible? What about the way Krispy Kreme doughnuts are made, or the special...
What are some common business torts to be aware of?
To even the most sophisticated business person, a business tort is not a familiar term. They may even confuse it with a dessert. Unlike a pastry torte, a business tort can derail the progress of an emerging company and cost it a great deal of money in future...
FTC sues T-Mobile over bogus billing
In the continuing battle between cell phone providers, T-Mobile has offered to pay the early termination fees that consumers could be subject to if they decide to leave another provider. While this may be an enticing proposition, T-Mobile has gotten into hot water...
Businesses can protect their brands against negative reviews
As more companies rely on consumer statements on social media, the more that consumers forget that their comments can land them in hot water. A negative rant about a product on Amazon.com has raised the ire of a company that sells products on the site. A man in...
Could participation in rewards programs void the right to sue?
The next time you sign up for a rewards program offered by a retailer, or actually “like” a product on Facebook, you may be forfeiting your right to bring a lawsuit against them. According to a recent New York Times article, a growing number of companies...
McDonald’s responds to Taco Bell breakfast ads
Taco Bell is jumping into the fast food breakfast arena. The low-cost Mexican food chain is traditionally known for its late night menu and afternoon specials (e.g. $1 loaded grillers and drinks). However, it is now challenging breakfast stalwart McDonald’s for a...
California hot sauce factory facing breach of contract claims
The ongoing business litigation against Huy Fong Foods may have just gotten a little bigger. The owners of the Los Angeles County Sriracha hot sauce factory are named in a suit filed by the city of Irwindale, California, and the suit claims that the smell coming from...
Lawsuit over licensing of ‘Speed Racer’ settled
Speed Racer Enterprises, Inc., was recently sued by Tatsunoko Production, an anime studio. The lawsuit was filed in October 2012 in the Central District Court in California and alleges nine different legal causes, for which the company is seeking damages. Those...