The world of commerce is indeed a mysterious place for the average person and when an entrepreneur(s) wishes to set up a business, many potential disputes could arise. Here are a few examples of business disputes and how lawyers can help.
- Partnership Agreement Disputes – It could be that one partner is dissatisfied with one or more aspects of the agreement and this might lead to a suspension of the registration process, at least until the issue is resolved. Mediation should result in an agreement and the contract can be signed. If, for example, your local partner has an issue with business registration in Saudi Arabia, you need to sit down and find a solution that is acceptable to both parties.
- Leasing Disputes – A new business might have issues with the property owner regarding their business activities and the lawyer would be needed to resolve the matter. One way to avoid such disputes is a careful analysis of leasing contracts before making a commitment, which we recommend. Leasing disputes can be resolved without reaching a courtroom if both parties have lawyers who can mediate behind closed doors.
- Business Name – In the event your chosen name is already in use, you will have to choose another. A business lawyer would search to see whether another entity is using that name. It might be that your name is very similar to another company’s name and the other party takes legal action to prevent the use of the name.
- Lawsuits – A lawsuit could be filed by a customer who was injured at your place of business, or perhaps you are unhappy with a consignment sent by a supplier and rejected the product. This situation usually requires mediation using a local independent lawyer, while being informed a lawsuit has been filed against you, does demand legal advice before responding.
- Intellectual Property Rights – It could be that a product is deemed by another to be their design and after taking some legal advice, they decide to file a lawsuit to prevent you from using that product. On the other hand, you may have been alerted that another company is doing something almost identical to you and you wish for them to cease. Some specific lawyers handle IP cases, as this is a complex field that demands a specialist lawyer. A case such as this might even involve patents that might have been previously filed.
- Employee Issues – In the event, an employee feels exploited, they might take legal action, or an ex-employee might claim unfair dismissal, in which case you will need legal advice from a lawyer with experience in HR. Of course, every nation has its own unique set of rules and regulations regarding employment and Saudi Arabia is no exception. Any foreign business owner would need legal advice regarding any HR issues to ensure they comply with local laws.
It is always important to have access to expert legal counsel in a business environment, especially when registering a new business. It is critical to seek out legal advice when setting up a business, as there are certain aspects where you have options. If any of the above disputes occur, you should search online for a leading commercial lawyer and let the experts advise you accordingly.
