What Do I Do If I’m in a Business Dispute?
What Do I Do If I’m in a Business Dispute?
07/18/2014 | Comment
An internal or external business dispute can wreak havoc on individuals and companies alike. Fortunately, you have several legal options for coping with a dispute in the manner best suited to your particular challenge.
Amicable Resolutions
- Buyout – One partner in a business can buy out another’s ownership in a business when differences appear irreconcilable. As is the case with so many business decisions, the best time to deal with this contingency is before the need arises. Every business partnership should have their attorneys create a formal buy-sell agreement that covers the entire process in detail. HG Legal Sources notes that when one partner offers to buy the other partner out, the second partner may have the option to reverse the request and but the first partner out instead, a situation known as “I cut, you choose.”
- Sale – Selling the business may allow everyone involved to exit the business and see some profit at the same time. On the other hand, this process can generate plenty of fresh new disputes over how the proftis from such a sale should be divided. Selling a business can be a lengthy, challenging process. Think carefully about how long you want the resolution of your business to take; you may find that a less remunerative but faster process is more to everyone’s liking.
- Dissolution – Dissolving a business is a relatively fast and clean form of dispute resolution. As described by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the process generally takes just 90 days and involves the submission of a one-page form to the state. While the dissolving partners will need to make vendors, contractors, and partnering businesses aware of the dissolution, they are not held accountable for each other’s debts or liabilities in regard to the business.
Going to Court
If your dispute cannot be resolved through amicable means, it’s time to go to court. Legal battles require considerable legal expertise and experience. Lawyers.com points out, for instance, that he lawsuit must be brought in the appropriate court, for instance. The complainant must also ask for a specific judgment from the court, whether it involves a financial reward or an order to cease and desist from the offending behavior.
- Settlements – If the parties in the dispute would prefer to cut their courtroom expenses short or avoid going to judgment, a settlement behind closed doors can put an end to the court proceedings. The party bringing the lawsuit will agree to let the other party pay less damages, while the other party may concede to some, but not all, of the business changes originally requested.
- Judgments – If either you or the other party in the dispute refuse to settle out of court, there is no other option but to take the case all the way to judgment. In this scenario, you’ll need all the legal expertise at your disposal to make your case while weakening the opposition’s case. The judge will then pronounce a verdict or guilty or not guilty and award damages.
All of these options will likely call for legal assistance at some point or other. You can get your partnership off to a strong start by seeking this assistance as early as possible, especially in the structuring of the business and the creation of agreements that enable smoother operation and better communications. Contact Coulter Law Group to learn more.
| business disputebusiness dispute attorneybusiness dispute lawyerbusiness disputes
5 Mistakes Owners Make When Drafting a Lease Agreement
03/27/2014 | Comment
In this economy, it seems like more people than ever before are becoming landlords, whether that was in their original plans or not. If you’re looking to move, but you can’t sell your home without losing money, renting it out is a great option. In an effort to save money, many people are opting to manage their own properties instead of hiring a management company. If you find yourself renting out property, whether a house, a condo, or an apartment, just make sure that you draft a strong lease agreement that will protect both your rights and the rights of your tenant. This agreement needs to be clear, well organized, and detailed. Here are five mistakes to avoid when drafting your own lease agreement.
1. Relying on Verbal Agreements
As much as you like your new tenants and hope that they will pay their bills on time and take good care of your property, you simply cannot afford to make the mistake of only making verbal agreements. Discussing your terms and shaking on it isn’t going to cut it. To protect yourself and your tenant, you must draft a legally binding written agreement, signed by both parties.
2. Writing a Vague Agreement
If ever there was a time for precision and detail, this is it. Don’t just throw together some sloppy agreement and have your tenant sign at the bottom. You need to list the property address, the length of the lease including the specific dates of that time frame, any specific regulations regarding pets on the premises, any damage already present in the home, and other details like eviction policies and late payment fees. The more specific you are, the easier it will be to sort through any problems that may come up in the future.
3. Forgoing a Background Check
As much as you might like to simply trust everyone that applies to rent your property, you must conduct a background check prior to accepting an application. Yes, it might cost a little bit to have this done. However, this information, including credit history and criminal background, is vital. You are entrusting someone with your property. It only makes sense that you need to do your homework in order to ensure that you find a trustworthy tenant.
4. Forgoing an Initial Inspection
Although it will take a bit of your time, make sure that you conduct an initial inspection of your property with your tenant. During this inspection, make a written list noting any damage to the property including stains in carpeting, nail holes in the walls, and other issues related to the structure and cosmetic appearance of the property. Once the list is complete, both parties should sign and date the document. This will come in handy down the road when your tenant is preparing to move. At this point, you can walk through the property again and it will be clear what damage occurred after the tenant took up residence in the unit. This will allow you to receive proper payment for any repairs you need to make.
5. Forgetting to Collect a Deposit
Finally, it is imperative that you collect a deposit. You can include this stipulation in your property listing and you should also detail the amount of the deposit and the parameters for refunding the deposit in your lease agreement. You may want to collect the equivalent of one month’s rent at the beginning of the lease and stipulate that a certain percentage of the deposit will be refunded when the lease is concluded. It is wise to make a portion of the deposit non-refundable to cover the cost of having the property cleaned in between tenants. You will also want to state in your lease that the cost of repairs for any damage caused by the tenant will come out of the deposit. A deposit adds an extra level of security for you as a landlord and gives your tenant added incentive to pay their rent on time and take care of your property.
| real estate attorneyreal estate lawreal estate lawyersalt lake city real estate attorneysalt lake city real estate lawsalt lake city real estate lawyerutah real estate attorneyutah real estate lawutah real estate lawyer
Business Dispute: San Diego Comic Con Sues Salt Lake City Comic Con
08/22/2014 | Comment
San Diego Comic Con, that most famous of comic book and sci-fi conventions, is in a legal battle with neighboring Salt Lake Comic Con. The suit is one of copyright infringement, as San Diego is alleging Salt Lake has capitalized on its intellectual property to enhance its own convention. The heart of the issue come down to the similarity in names, which San Diego alleges can be confusing to convention-goers. While other cities in the United States have similar conventions and call them Comic Cons, the similar sounding names of San Diego and Salt Lake were enough for San Diego to single out Utah’s capitol city for suing.
Salt Lake City Comic Con Hires Attorney to Represent them in Business Dispute
Salt Lake is having none of it. In fact, Salt Lake has hired a lawyer from San Diego’s own state of California to represent them. The organizers of the Salt Lake convention have hired Sterling Brennan, an Orange County, California attorney to defend them against San Diego’s assertions that the two convention names are similar enough to cause a trademark violation. San Diego also alleges people may think the two conventions are associated with each other due to the similar names. Brennan is tasked with defending Salt Lake against these allegations and obtaining a court ruling that will allow them to retain their convention name.
Brennan and those who work for him are known to be among the best intellectual property lawyers in the country. Hiring him shows that Salt Lake means business when it comes to keeping its name. In business to business disputes like this, particularly intellectual property and trademark violation lawsuits, the legal waters can often be murky. The choice of Brennan as the attorney for the case ensures Salt Lake of getting a fair trial against the larger, better known, and more powerful San Diego convention.
Brennan already has a successful track record under his belt in defending these types of cases. He is perhaps best known for successfully defending the Novell corporation in retaining its ownership of the UNIX operating system name in 2012. Those who are watching the case, especially fans of the Salt Lake City convention, hope that a win for Salt Lake will set a legal precedent that will even the playing field for it and other comic book conventions across the country.
If the court sides with the much newer and smaller Salt Lake convention over the older and more recognized San Diego convention, San Diego’s power in the convention world will be limited to its own event. It will not have any type of power over other, similar conventions. This is exactly what the fans of Salt Lake and other small conventions want. A win for Salt Lake is a win for smaller conventions everywhere in the United States. With Brennan, they stand a good chance of getting it.
The lawsuit began on August 7, 2014, when San Diego Comic Con filed its initial complaint in the U.S. District Court in Southern California. In its complaint, San Diego is seeking an injunction against Salt Lake from calling itself the Salt Lake Comic Con, and is also seeking financial damages caused by Salt Lake’s use of the name to date. The organizers of the San Diego Comic Con allege that the Utah convention has been reaping the benefits of the hard work and good name of the San Diego convention by infringing upon its trademark in using a too similar name.
The Salt Lake convention organizers have publicly said the lawsuit is without merit. Meanwhile, they are working with their attorney to draft an official response to San Diego’s lawsuit which must be filed with the court by early September.
The organizers of the Salt Lake convention would like to resolve the dispute amicably. However, they are prepared to take it to court if necessary, and to fight it all the way to the highest court that will hear the case.
This goes to show how important it is to get good representation in business to business lawsuits. Salt Lake’s choice of attorney may make all the difference for them. If your company is facing a business to business lawsuit, the Coulter Law Group can make all the difference for you, too.
| business lawbusiness litigationbusiness to business disputecomic concopyright infringementcorporate business dispute
Selma area businesses looking for a reliable, utility-packed work van should check out the 2026 Ram ProMaster 2500 Cargo Van. This full-size van comes standard with essentials like a sliding passenger-side door, rear-hinged doors, and ample cargo space to tackle any job. The ProMaster 2500 also boasts standard safety features, including electronic stability control, traction control, and crosswind assist, to provide steady handling across Selma’s streets and highways.
Optional features allow you to customize the 2026 ProMaster 2500 to your Fresno business’s specific needs. Available power folding mirrors and remote start offer added convenience, while optional advanced safety packages with blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist provide extra security on the road. With various configurations, the Ram ProMaster 2500 has the versatility to adapt to nearly any work task.
See why so many businesses trust the Ram ProMaster 2500 Cargo Van as their worksite on wheels. Browse our inventory of new Ram ProMaster 2500 Cargo Vans or visit Selma Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at 2725 Auto Mall Dr to build the ProMaster 2500 that’s right for your business fleet. Our commercial vehicle team is ready to help you find the ideal work van solution.
Winter maintenance is important. Why? Because with the change in weather, the road conditions can change, too. Fortunately, our team is here to help make sure you’re well-informed of the services you may need before winter arrives.
1. Check Your Tires
Make sure your tires have sufficient tread depth and are properly inflated. Consider switching to winter tires for improved traction on snowy or icy roads. Don’t forget to check your spare tire too!
2. Test Your Battery
Cold temperatures can reduce your battery’s cranking power. Have your battery tested to ensure it can handle the demands of starting your engine in frigid conditions. If it’s more than a few years old, it may be time for a replacement.
3. Change Your Oil and Fluids
Before winter hits, get an oil change and have your fluid levels checked, including:
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Transmission fluid
Proper fluid levels will keep your vehicle running smoothly all winter long. Schedule your pre-winter maintenance appointment at Selma Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today! Our expert technicians will ensure your vehicle is ready to take on the cold with confidence.
Get ready to be amazed by the advanced technology features that come standard in the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L. This full-size luxury SUV is packed with innovative tech designed to elevate your driving experience.
Prepare to be immersed in your favorite music like never before with the available 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system. This top-of-the-line sound system delivers crystal-clear, high-fidelity audio throughout the cabin, transforming your daily commute into a concert-like experience.
The 2026 Grand Wagoneer L features the user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which comes standard with a massive 12-inch touchscreen display. With just a few taps, you can access your favorite apps, playlists, and contacts, ensuring you stay connected and entertained wherever your adventures take you.
Long road trips are a breeze in the 2026 Grand Wagoneer L, thanks to the available Rear Seat Video Group I package. This feature includes seatback video screens and Amazon Fire TV Built-In, allowing your rear-seat passengers to stream their favorite movies, TV shows, and games on the go. With this entertainment system at their fingertips, your family will never experience a dull moment during your journeys.
Visit Selma Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and let us help you discover all that this remarkable SUV has to offer.
Explore the Interior of the 2026 Dodge Durango
Inside the 2026 Dodge Durango, you’ll find seating for up to seven passengers across three rows. The front seats are power-adjustable and heated, ensuring comfort on even the coldest days. Available second-row captain’s chairs provide a more luxurious experience for rear passengers. With premium leather upholstery and plenty of legroom, everyone can settle in and enjoy the ride.
Whether you’re packing up for a weekend getaway or need to haul sports gear for the whole team, the Durango has you covered. Behind the third row, you’ll find ample cargo space for everyday essentials. Fold down the second and third rows, and you’ll have a cavernous interior that can accommodate larger items with ease. Plus, with the available power liftgate, loading and unloading is a breeze.
From the moment you slip inside the 2026 Dodge Durango, you’ll be surrounded by premium materials and thoughtful amenities. The available sunroof lets in plenty of natural light, while the dual-zone automatic climate control keeps everyone comfortable. With the push-button start and remote keyless entry, you can hit the road in no time.
Experience the Durango’s luxurious interior for yourself by visiting Selma Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today.
The 2026 Chrysler Pacifica is a compact-size minivan that offers an impressive array of advanced safety features designed to provide peace of mind for you and your family.
The Pacifica comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Detection
- Collision Mitigation-Front
- Lane Departure Warning-Plus with Lane Keeping Assist
- ParkView Back-Up Camera with Washer
- Rear Cross Path Detection
These features work together seamlessly to enhance your driving experience and help prevent accidents.
The 2026 Pacifica prioritizes passenger safety with a comprehensive airbag system that includes:
- Dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags
- Driver and passenger knee airbags
- Dual-stage driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags
- Curtain airbags for all three rows
This extensive airbag system ensures optimal protection for all occupants in the event of a collision.
The Pacifica also boasts a range of additional safety features, such as:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist, and hill hold control
- Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
- Rear child safety locks
- Perimeter alarm
These features further enhance the vehicle’s overall safety and provide added security for you and your passengers.
Experience the cutting-edge safety features of the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica for yourself by visiting Selma Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
The 2026 Ram 1500 pickup truck delivers incredible capability and performance to handle even the toughest jobs.
The available 3.0L I-6 twin-turbocharged Hurricane engine pumps out 420 horsepower while the mighty 5.7L HEMI V8 with eTorque mild hybrid system generates 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. For maximum fuel efficiency, the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 is also available. These engines are paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission for optimal performance and efficiency.
When the road turns to dirt or gravel, the Ram 1500’s available 4×4 systems provide maximum traction and control. The on-demand transfer case can seamlessly switch between 2WD and 4WD as needed. For more challenging off-road situations, the available 4×4 Off-Road Package adds a locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, tow hooks, skid plates and more. The Ram 1500 is engineered to conquer any terrain with confidence.
Need to tow a trailer or haul a heavy payload? The Ram 1500 has a max towing capacity of 12,750 pounds when properly equipped. An available integrated trailer brake controller and 360-degree surround view camera with trailer reverse guidance view make towing a breeze. The multifunction tailgate with available retractable bed step allows for easy cargo access.
Experience the impressive performance and capability of the 2026 Ram 1500 for yourself with a test drive at Selma Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
Get ready for an exhilarating ride in the 2026 Jeep Wrangler, a rugged SUV that delivers unparalleled performance both on and off the road.
The Wrangler offers two robust engine choices. The 3.6-liter V6 produces 285 horsepower for strong acceleration and towing capacity. For those seeking even more efficiency, the available 2.0-liter I-4 turbocharged engine generates 270 horsepower while optimizing fuel economy. Whether you prefer the tried-and-true V6 or the advanced turbo, the Wrangler delivers the power you need to conquer any terrain.
Pair your chosen engine with either the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic or the engaging 6-speed manual transmission. The automatic offers convenient features like adaptive cruise control and selec-speed control for effortless driving. The manual puts you in full command of the Wrangler’s power for a thrilling, hands-on experience.
The Wrangler’s legendary 4×4 prowess comes from its robust drivetrain and suspension systems. With the available Rock-Trac HD full-time 4WD and electronic locking differentials, you can tackle even the most challenging trails with confidence. The Wrangler’s suspension, featuring heavy-duty axles and high-performance shocks, provides excellent articulation and stability on uneven surfaces.
Experience the 2026 Jeep Wrangler’s performance firsthand at Selma Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
Connect with us
- January 2026
- November 2025
- October 2025
- September 2025
- August 2025
- July 2025
- June 2025
- May 2025
- April 2025
- October 2024
- September 2024
- July 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- January 2024
- October 2023
- September 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- January 2023
- November 2022
- September 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- December 2021
- April 2020