In today’s business world, especially with the abundance of online and self-owned enterprises, competition can be fierce. With hundreds or thousands of people vying for the attention of the same marketplace demographic, keeping your goods and services in front of your prospective customers is key. Since the very beginning, businesses have found ways to beat out the competition, but as time went on, those tactics have become more varied and some, less legal.
When you are doing your best and trying to grow your company, the last thing you should have to worry about is someone else stealing your business away from you using unsavory methods. Thankfully, the law is on your side, and if you suspect that someone isn’t playing by the rules, you have the right to consult with an unfair competition attorney in San Francisco.
Here are the top five main types of business torts that would be considered to be “unfair competition:”
- Trademark infringement
If someone else steals your intellectual property and uses it to gain revenue or market share, you may be eligible to file a suit. An example of this is when a competitor uses your logo or slogan in their own advertising.
- False advertising
When a competitor makes an unfair or untrue statement about their products or services, you should talk to a lawyer right away. This type of misleading business practice can cut into your customer base and profits over time.
- Unauthorized substitution
Sometimes called the “bait and switch,” this illegal method involves someone misrepresenting a product, and after the sale, substituting the product with a version (“knockoff”) of lesser quality. This tactic often goes hand in hand with trademark infringement.
- Misappropriation of trade secrets
Your company’s internal knowledge, including your formulas, recipes, strategies, and more, are protected under intellectual property laws. If a competitor gets their hands on your intel, and uses it for their own monetary gain, you can bring legal charges against them.
- False representation
If a competitor gets ahead in the marketplace by making false claims or offering faulty guarantees, you may be able to get justice. This type of unfair competition often includes product warranties, satisfaction guarantees, and other commercial policies.
You’ve worked hard to build your company, and you deserve a fair and equal playing field in which to grow. If you suspect that a competitor is acting illegally, get in touch with us at Primum Law right away and request your free consultation.