Though there are numerous ways a company may exhibit illegal or unfair business practices in California, our attorneys have expertise in the following areas:
- Unlawful Business Practices
- Unfair Competition
- Predatory Pricing
- False and Misleading Advertising
- Unearned Revenue Sharing Agreements
- Trade Libel
- Deceptive Business Practices and Acts
- Overcharging
- Bait & Switch Tactics
- Fraud
What Constitutes as “Unfair” Business Practices
According to the California Business and Professions Code section 17200, also referred to as the Unfair Competition Law (UCL), both consumers and businesses are protected from numerous unfair business practices, including a number of activities that would be considered fraudulent, oppressive, unethical, or deceptive.
Those terms can be vague and often are defined by the courts, but plaintiffs can make a UCL claim once they’ve identified an act has violated one of the following three “prongs”:
- Unfair: Though the UCL does not offer a concrete definition of “unfair” as it relates to business practices, California has been known to abide by the definition provided by the Federal Trade Commission(FTC), which stipulates that an action is considered unfair if it “offends public policy,” is “immoral unethical, oppressive, or scrupulous,” or “causes substantial injury to consumers.”
- Fraudulent: The fraudulent prong typically is met when a plaintiff makes a claim that a business or business activity can or is likely to deceive the public.
- Unlawful: An act is considered unlawful when it violates any other existing rule, regulation, or statute.
Years of Experience to Help Protect You
The Law Offices of Michael C. Murphy offers clients in the Los Angeles and Ventura county area a combined over 40 years of legal experience. Our lawyers can assist as you pursue an unfair business practices case or as you prepare for a case that’s been brought against your business.
While we are unyielding in the courtroom, we are goal-oriented, resilient, intuitive, and trustworthy in our approach and will offer you the professionalism, compassion, and respect you deserve.
With a strong commitment to our community, we actively engage in projects that better the Los Angeles and Ventura counties and therefore strive to ensure that businesses operate according to the rules and principles that comprise the California Business and Professions Codes.
Free Initial Evaluation
Defining and identifying unfair business practices in California can be difficult, but that should not prevent you from protecting your rights. If you think you or your business has been the victim of unfair business practices, you can contact us and set up a free initial case evaluation. At that time, we’ll be able to discuss your rights, potential outcomes, and the best course of action. Our conversations will remain confidential and we will provide you with an honest assessment of your unique situation, regardless of how big or small the case may be.
Find out how we can help you by calling our Los Angeles office at 818-558-3718 or our Ventura office at 805-494-8929. Or, sign up for a free consultation online or contact us online at our Los Angeles or Ventura offices.
Open competition can create stronger markets where both the businesses and the consumers benefit. However, while many businesses remain honest when competing in the open market, some lack integrity and engage in numerous illegal business practices, including false and misleading advertising, predatory or fixed pricing, fraud, bribery, and illegal discounting.