Business Partnership Dispute Lawyers in Toronto & GTA

Business Partner Disputes
Posted By On May 6, 2024

A dispute between or among partners can seriously derail a business in its daily operations as well as affecting its growth and sustainability. Before your dispute escalates or if it already has, contact a Toronto business lawyer at Affinity Law to advise you.

Examples of disputes that our attorneys regularly handle include:

  • Fraud or theft—your partner embezzled money from the business, which can also result in criminal charges
  • Violation of a contractual agreement—this could include an employment provision, a contract with a client, a non-compete agreement, or any part of the partnership contract
  • Misuse or violation of the partnership’s intellectual property—a partner has used the business trademark or patent for self-aggrandizement and without consent of the partners
  • Breach of fiduciary duty—partners have financial obligations to act in the best interests of the company and not to further their own private interests at the expense of the partnership
  • Whether a partnership was created—one may have been created through words or actions including contributions of money, property, knowledge, effort, and skills to a joint venture or undertaking, or if profits are shared, and joint bank accounts created that can create legal liability

Like any relationship, disputes often arise, and business partners are not exempt. When disagreements over business decisions or management arise, if there are allegations of misconduct, disagreement over the terms of the partnership agreement or the division of capital or profits, or if a partner wants a buyout, you need highly skilled legal counsel who can assess your interests, goals, rights, and obligations. In some cases, injunctive relief may be necessary to bar a partner from moving or diverting assets or from stealing your clients, and to protect your intellectual property. Alternative dispute resolution can often resolve many internal disputes. Call Affinity Law if your business is experiencing these typical disagreements.