Operating a business in California is exciting. It’s warm all year round, which provides additional sales opportunities. However, it also provides additional opportunities for unfair competition practices. If you’re not sure that you have a case of unfair competition, consult an unfair competition lawyer. Here’s what you can do next once you meet with the unfair competition lawyer.
Recognize the Possible Unfair Competition Practices
A lot of issues fall under this legal category. Bait and switch tactics are the most common. Misappropriation of trade secrets is another. It isn’t about competing with another business that seems to be doing better, unless that business is doing better because it is selling the exact same products you are and they do not have the rights to those products. Once the lawyer helps you identify which behaviors are unfair competition, you can choose to do one of two things.
Write a Strong “Cease and Desist” Letter, or Sue
Writing a “cease and desist” letter addresses the practices you and the lawyer recognize as unfair competition. The other party has a deadline to stop doing those things, or risk being sued. It is generally the courteous approach to handling the situation. However, some people think they are in the right and you are in the wrong. They may not obey the letter, so they continue as they have been. Your only choice at that point is to sue. Most cases are settled outside of court and never have to get to court, thus resolving the issues.
