Commercial Contract Disputes - Our Panel of Experts

What is a commercial contract dispute?

A commercial contract disputes refer to a disagreements or conflicts that arises between parties involved in a commercial contract. Commercial contracts are legally binding agreements entered into by businesses or individuals. They are set up for the purpose of buying, selling, leasing, or exchanging goods, services, or property.

Contract disputes can arise for various reasons. They may involve disagreements over the interpretation of contract terms, alleged breaches of contract, or other issues related to the performance of contractual obligations.

At Expert Commercial Law, we have access to a highly experienced panel of commercial contract dispute lawyers who are available to assist you with your case. If you would like more information on how we can assist you, then please contact us today.

Why do commercial contract disputes arise?

Commercial contract disputes can arise in various contexts and can involve a wide range of issues. Here are some common types of commercial contract disputes:

Breach of Contract: 

One party in a business relationship fails to fulfil its contractual obligations, such as delivering goods, providing services, or making payments on time. In these circumstances, a breach of contract claim may be brought.

Payment Disputes:

Disagreements over the amount and timing of payments can lead to disputes. This may involve invoicing errors, disputes over pricing, or challenges to the quality of goods or services delivered.

Delivery and Performance Issues:

 Disputes related to the quality of goods or services delivered, delays in performance, or failure to meet agreed-upon standards. Parties may wish to claim damages if goods or services are not fit for purpose.

Termination Disputes: 

Disputes may arise when one party seeks to terminate the contract prematurely or when there are disagreements over the conditions under which termination is allowed.

Contractual Interpretation: 

Disagreements over the interpretation of specific terms, clauses, or provisions within the contract. Ambiguous language or differing understandings can lead to disputes.

Force Majeure Disputes: 

Disputes related to the applicability of force majeure clauses. These clauses excuse performance in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, acts of war, or other uncontrollable events.

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) Violations: 

Disputes arising from alleged breaches of confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements where one party discloses confidential information without authorisation.

Partnership and Joint Venture Disputes: 

Disputes between parties engaged in a partnership or joint venture, including disagreements over profit distribution, decision-making authority, and other partnership-related matters.

Construction Contract Disputes: 

Disputes arising in construction contracts may involve issues such as project delays, cost overruns, defective work, or disagreements over contract specifications.

Franchise Agreement Disputes: 

Conflicts between franchisors and franchisees, including disputes over franchise fees, territory rights, marketing obligations, and brand-related issues.

International Contract Disputes: 

Disputes that arise when parties involved in international trade or business encounter issues related to cross-border contracts, differing legal systems, or cultural differences.

Understanding the specific nature of the dispute is crucial for determining the most appropriate resolution method and legal recourse. Parties engaged in disputes involving contracts should seek legal advice.

How can commercial contract disputes be resolved?

Commercial contract dispute resolution can be achieved using various methods. These range from ADR methods, such as negotiation, mediation, or arbitration to formal legal proceedings. The remedies for these types of disputes include injunctive relief and the innocent party claiming monetary damages.

The choice of resolution method often depends on the nature and complexity of the dispute. The preferences of the parties involved will also be considered. Some common ways to resolve commercial contract disputes include:

Negotiation:

Informal negotiations between the parties involved can often lead to a resolution. This involves open communication, discussion of the issues, and attempts to find a mutually acceptable solution. Negotiation is flexible and allows the parties to maintain control over the outcome.

Mediation:

Mediation involves a neutral third party (the mediator) who assists the parties in reaching a mutually agreeable resolution. The mediator does not make binding decisions but facilitates communication. They help the parties explore potential solutions to the disputes quickly. Mediation is often less adversarial and more cost-effective than litigation.

Arbitration:

Arbitration is a more formal process where a neutral arbitrator hears the arguments and evidence presented by both parties and renders a binding decision. Many commercial contracts include arbitration clauses specifying this method of dispute resolution.

Expert Determination:

In some cases, the parties may agree to have an independent expert assess certain technical or industry-specific aspects of the dispute. The expert’s determination can be binding or non-binding, depending on the agreement of the parties.

Settlement Agreements:

Parties may reach a settlement agreement, a legally binding document outlining the terms of resolution. Settlements often involve compromises on both sides and can be reached through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution processes.

Litigation:

If informal methods fail, parties to the contract may resort to litigation, which involves taking the dispute to court. Litigation is a formal and adversarial process, and the court will make a binding decision based on the applicable laws and the evidence presented.

Contractual Dispute Resolution Clauses:

Many commercial contracts include specific clauses outlining the procedures for resolving disputes. These clauses may specify a particular forum, such as arbitration, and can help streamline the resolution process.

 

How can Expert Commercial Law assist?

If you are facing a commercial contract dispute and are unsure of the process or require expert assistance, then our panel of solicitors can help you.

Our panel of commercial contract dispute solicitors have a strong track record of successful outcomes, offering strategic advice and assistance.

All of the commercial contract dispute solicitors on our panel have the experience and expertise required to take on your case.

Each solicitor is vetted before being allowed onto our panel, and we only select the best in the business. All of our solicitor firms are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Our commercial litigation lawyers also help with other commercial claims, such as director disputes and CCJ removal.

Please note we are not a firm of solicitors. However, we maintain a panel of trusted and regulated legal experts. If you contact us in relation to a commercial law case, we will pass your case on to a panel firm in return for a fee from our panel firms. We will never charge you for passing on your case to a panel firm.