Every year, many consumers fall victim to false advertising and other unlawful practices of business. California’s unfair competition law was designed to protect consumers and create a level playing field for businesses across the state. A consumer or business that has been harmed or damaged by any illegal business practice may be eligible to file a lawsuit. An experienced California business litigation attorney can enlighten you about the basics of California’s unfair competition law and help protect your legal rights.
At the Law Offices of Jerry J Goldstein, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal guidance and reliable representation to clients in their unfair competition cases. Our trusted team is available to discuss your unique situation, help you understand what qualifies as unfair competition, and determine whether you have a case. Also, we will fight diligently to advocate for your best interests and help you seek relief for any injuries you must have suffered due to deceptive business practices.
The Law Offices of Jerry J Goldstein proudly serves clients throughout the Coachella Valley, including Palm Desert, California, as well as communities in and around Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties, among others.
Unfair Competition
Unfair competition involves using unlawful, deceptive, or fraudulent business practices that harm consumers or other entities to gain a competitive advantage. Some common examples of unfair competition include:
- Fake endorsements
- Bait-and-switch tactics
- Incorrect pricing or misleading price information
- Below-cost selling
- Exaggerated performance descriptions
- Misappropriation of trade secrets
- False statements or misrepresentation
- Robocalling
- Rumor mongering or slandering another business in marketing campaigns
- Intensively pressuring to influence consumer’s purchase decision
- Taking advantage of consumers by advertising using another language
- Withholding vital product information
An experienced attorney can enlighten you about California’s unfair competition law and explore your options to seek relief.
California’s Unfair Competition Law
According to California’s unfair competition law, the following are prohibited:
- Any unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business act or practice
- Unfair, deceptive, untrue, or misleading advertising
If you have lost money or property as the result of false advertising or other unlawful business practices, you need to reach out to a skilled business litigation attorney right away. Your attorney can review every detail of your case, help prove negligence, and seek the justice you’re entitled to.
Proving a Claim
To succeed in an unfair competition lawsuit, the claimant must prove that:
- The defendant engaged in unfair, untrue, deceptive, or misleading advertising
- The defendant has acted unfairly in some manner
- The defendant’s misleading information or activities have caused confusion
- The claimant suffered an injury or property or monetary losses
A knowledgeable attorney can walk you through the claims process and make sure you file your claims within the specified time limit.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for an unfair competition lawsuit is four years from the date of the unfair act. This means that claimants must commence a civil action to recover damages within four years from the date the unfair act was – or should have been – discovered.
Possible Remedies
The following remedies may be available for unfair competition lawsuits in California:
- Claimant’s actual economic damages
- Court orders for injunctive relief to prevent unfair practices
- Attorney fees
A skilled business law attorney can fight to protect your rights and help you seek the maximum possible compensation.
Legal Advocacy You Can Trust
California’s unfair competition law was enacted to prevent consumers and businesses from the false advertising and unfair competition practices of other businesses. Regardless, many businesses still lure consumers into making a purchase or investment decisions due to deceptive or misleading advertising or other illegal tactics. If you are a victim of false advertising or unlawful business practices, hiring an experienced California business litigation attorney is crucial for proper guidance and to protect your best interests.
At the Law Offices of Jerry J Goldstein, we have the experience, diligence, and resources to represent individuals and businesses in their unfair competition claims. As your legal counsel, we can review and investigate all of the surrounding facts of your unique situation and explore your possible legal options to seek damages. We will fight compassionately for the justice you deserve.
We’re proud to represent clients throughout the Coachella Valley, including Palm Desert, California, as well as communities in and around Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties, among others. Please note that in providing services outside of our immediate area, we generally don’t bill for travel time from our offices to meet at the business location or home of our clients.