Opening a business is a lot of work. You have to cover all the corners and make sure that everything is in place before you can even open your doors. Even after you’ve done all of that, disputes can still arise. There are all sorts of disputes that can come up, from disagreements between partners to disagreements with customers or suppliers. And even if you think you’ve covered all your bases, there’s always the possibility that something will come up that you didn’t anticipate.
The Most Common Business Disputes
Here are some of the most common legal reasons why businesses, both large and small, often land themselves in the soup:
- Contract disputes. If you have a contract with another business or individual, a legal dispute can arise if one party breaches the contract. This can happen if one party doesn’t fulfill their obligations, doesn’t deliver what was promised, or tries to change the terms of the contract without the other party’s agreement.
- Intellectual property disputes. If you’ve developed a unique product or service, you may need to protect your intellectual property with trademarks, copyrights, or patents. If another business or individual uses your intellectual property without your permission, you may have a legal claim against them.
- Employment disputes. If you have employees, disputes can arise over issues like wages, hours, working conditions, and benefits. Employees may also file lawsuits if they believe they’ve been discriminated against or harassed at work.
- Disputes with suppliers or customers. If you do business with other companies, disputes can arise over late or damaged shipments, poor-quality products, or unpaid invoices. Customers may also file lawsuits if they’re injured by a product or service you provide.
- Zoning and land use disputes. If you’re trying to open or expand a business, you may need to get approval from your local government. This can sometimes lead to zoning and land use disputes, especially if nearby residents object to your plans.
- Neighborhood disputes. Even if you’re not required to get approval from your local government, you may still face opposition from your neighbors if they don’t want a business in their neighborhood. This can lead to legal disputes, especially if the business would generate noise, traffic, or other nuisances.
- Regulatory compliance disputes. All businesses are subject to various state and federal regulations. If you’re not in compliance with these regulations, you may face legal action from government agencies or private citizens.
- Financial disputes. If your business is in financial trouble, you may face lawsuits from creditors or investors. You may also have to deal with bankruptcy court if you can’t pay your debts.
- Partnership disputes. If you’re in business with one or more partners, disputes can arise over issues like decision-making, profit sharing, and the direction of the business. These disputes can sometimes lead to the dissolution of the partnership.
- Personal disputes. Even if your business is doing well, personal disputes can still arise. These can be between you and another business owner, between you and an employee, or between you and a customer. Personal disputes can sometimes be the most difficult to resolve, so it’s important to try to avoid them if possible.
Why Do Business Disputes Arise and How to Solve Them
There are several reasons why disputes still arise when running a business, even after covering all corners. One of the main reasons is that businesses are made up of people, and people are inherently fallible. No matter how well you plan or how much you communicate, there will always be room for misunderstanding and disagreement.
Another reason why disputes still arise is that businesses are constantly changing and evolving. As your business grows and changes, so do your employees, customers, and suppliers. What worked well in the past may not work as well now, which can lead to conflict.
Finally, even the best-laid plans can go awry. Circumstances beyond your control can lead to problems that you never anticipated. The key is to be prepared to deal with these problems as they arise and to have a plan in place to resolve them quickly and efficiently.
Despite these challenges, running a business can be an extremely rewarding experience. The key is to be prepared for the occasional dispute and hire a competent business lawyer to work out a plan to resolve it. With proper communication and a little bit of patience, you can overcome any obstacle.
The Legal Help You Need
If you’re a business owner in North Carolina, you know that business disputes are a fact of life. While some business disputes can be resolved without legal help, many will require the assistance of a business lawyer. At GPS Law Group, we have a team of experienced business lawyers who can help you resolve your business disputes efficiently and effectively.
There are many benefits to working with a GPS Law Group business lawyer when resolving a dispute. They can:
- Help you understand your legal rights and options
- Help you gather evidence and build a strong case
- Negotiate on your behalf to help you reach a favorable resolution
If you’re involved in a business dispute in North Carolina, contact GPS Law Group at (704) 549-1950 or use our online contact form to send a message and set up a consultation. We can help you resolve your dispute quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to business as usual.
We serve Charlotte, North Carolina, and the surrounding communities.