Unfair Competition Attorney in Irvine, California

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. 

William B. Hanley, Attorney At Law can help you through these issues. Located in Irvine, California, the firm serves clients throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, San Diego, San Diego County. 

Fighting for 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. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Unfair Competition 

What is unfair competition? 

Unfair competition refers to various deceptive, fraudulent, or unethical practices that businesses engage in to gain an unfair advantage over their competitors. These actions not only harm other businesses but also mislead consumers, creating an uneven playing field in the marketplace. 

How can I identify unfair competition practices? 

Unfair competition practices can be identified through behaviors such as misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of noncompetition agreements, false advertising, and predatory pricing. If a competitor’s actions cause confusion, mislead consumers, or damage your business's reputation, these could be signs of unfair competition. 

What are the legal actions I can take against unfair competition? 

If you believe your business is a victim of unfair competition, you can pursue legal action to protect your interests. This may include filing lawsuits for trademark infringement, breach of contract, or fraudulent business practices. Consulting with an experienced unfair competition attorney like William B. Hanley can help you determine the best course of action. 

How do noncompetition agreements play a role in unfair competition? 

Noncompetition agreements are contracts that restrict employees from joining competing businesses or starting similar businesses within a certain period and geographic area after leaving an employer.

While these agreements aim to protect trade secrets and retain business advantage, overly restrictive or unfair noncompetition agreements can hinder an employee's career advancement and may be considered a form of unfair competition. 

Can consumers be affected by unfair competition? 

Yes, consumers can be significantly affected by unfair competition. Deceptive practices such as false advertising or misleading information can lead consumers to make uninformed decisions, causing financial loss or harm. Protecting fair competition ensures that consumers receive accurate information and fair pricing in the marketplace. 

What steps can I take to protect my business from unfair competition? 

To safeguard your business against unfair competition, ensure robust protections for your trade secrets and confidential information, enforce fair and legal noncompetition agreements, and actively monitor the market for potential infringements on your intellectual property. Seeking legal advice and consultation can also help you handle these issues effectively and prevent potential conflicts. 

Why is legal representation important in unfair competition cases? 

Legal representation is crucial in unfair competition cases as these situations often involve complicated legal and regulatory issues. An experienced business law attorney can provide invaluable assistance in investigating claims, filing appropriate legal actions, negotiating settlements, and representing your interests in court to achieve favorable outcomes.