UNFAIR COMPETITION ATTORNEY IN IRVINE, CA

Competition is a difficult issue when it comes to selling goods and services in the United States. While many individuals would argue that capitalism is built on the back of competition and that any business faces the possibility that a better and/or cheaper alternative could drive their company to the ground, there are many important regulations that businesses have to follow to compete fairly.

A huge part of that involves company employees. This can also be a tricky issue because employees are exposed to the inner workings of a business in a way that competitors aren’t. At the same time, many businesses lock their employees into unfair noncompetition agreements that can hinder their career and keep them from making smart professional decisions.

ENSURING FAIR BUSINESS PROCEDURES

In situations where employees have left a firm or business and there are claims of trade secrets being misappropriated, or in instances where the employee has signed a contract that restricts his or her career, unfair competition attorney William B. Hanley is able to provide experienced legal representation.

Having handled a wide range of cases involving unfair competition and breach of contract, Bill provides efficient representation and legal consultation for both businesses and individuals. If a business is suffering from trade secrets being misappropriated or an employee is unable to move forward in his or her career due to unfair employment contracts, Bill can help. He investigates each client's case and circumstances and works to protect employers from business tactics that allow unfair competition, such as:

• Misappropriation of trade secrets or confidential business information

• Breach of contract or contract agreement for noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements

• Copyright or trademark infringement

• False advertising

• Predatory pricing

• Fraud and corruption

• Price discrimination

• Intentional interference with a potential business opportunity

Laws against unfair competition are designed to protect businesses, employees, and consumers. While the terms listed above encompass several different situations that could be categorized as unfair competition, it can typically come in three broad forms:

• Acts causing confusion, which cause confusion with respect to another’s business or its activities. One example is creating a product appearance that mimics another product, whether trademarked or not.

• Acts that are misleading, creating a false impression of a competitor’s product or services and can lead a consumer to act on false information. For example, releasing misleading statements about the manufacturing process of a product, creating a false impression of safety.

• Acts damaging goodwill or reputation, which reduce the distinctive character or reputation attached to a product that could damage its goodwill. This includes any act that dilutes the effect of a trademark, since these could destroy the originality and distinctive character of that trademark.

In any case involving breach of contract, misappropriation of business, or business sales, there is a method for resolving it. Bill Hanley can take your case through to its completion to obtain the best possible result.