If you believe you have been victimized due to unfair business practices, Orange County business attorneys can help. California’s Unfair Competition Law, which can be found at §17200 of the California Business and Professions Code, broadly defines “unfair competition” (unfair business practices and advertising) as any one of the following:
- an unlawful business act or practice
- an unfair business act or practice
- a fraudulent business act or practice
- unfair, deceptive, untrue or misleading advertising
What Is the Intent of the Unfair Competition Law?
Orange County business lawyers are aware that the legislature’s intent in passing this law was to protect consumers from unscrupulous business practices, as well as to provide protection for businesses against a competitor’s unfair practices. Fixing market prices, price discrimination, and conspiring to boycott are just some examples of unfair business practices.
Also, if a company’s advertising consists of untrue or misleading claims, then this too constitutes unfair business practices. Available remedies for a violation of California law include injunctions and restitution. In simple terms, this means that a consumer can sue to recover:
- funds paid for deceptively or fraudulently marketed goods or services
- other losses incurred due to the deceptively or fraudulently marketed goods or services
- costs incurred due to unfair practices, and
- attorney’s fees and court costs (in some cases).
The civil penalty for a violation of the law is limited to $2,500 for each violation.
Contact Orange County Business Attorneys Today
California law holds people accountable for unfair business practices. To learn more about what constitutes unfair competition—or if you believe you or your company has been victimized by unfair, unlawful, or fraudulent business practices or false advertising—call the Orange County business attorneys at Daily Aljian LLP today: 949-861-2524.