Most basic forms of agreement between parties constitute a contract. Often disputes arise in relation to the validity of a particular term or agreement in general or questions arise over interpretation with the potential for significant detriment or benefit  being caused to the respective parties.

MKB Law has a vast array of experience in resolving contractual disputes to our clients’ satisfaction. Recent case examples include:

• Recovering substantial damages for a local telecommunications business following breach of contract terms by a major network provider;
• Recovering substantial damages for a sole trader denied commission on sales under a VAR (value added re-sale) agreement;
• Successfully obtaining an emergency injunction and then a money judgement for a national business following breaches of a sales contract.

Shareholder Agreements are common in many incorporated companies and govern the shareholders’ obligations and benefits arising from a company and its performance.

Perhaps particularly at times of change and challenge to the economy like those we are currently experiencing , disputes often arise between those responsible for the ongoing s success of a company or who are set to benefit financially from it.

MKB Law’s litigation team has significant experience and a track record of success in resolving promptly, and at minimum cost, disputes between shareholders and directors. Recent case examples involve:

• Successfully resolving a high value shareholder and directors dispute within a construction company with significant payments becoming due to our client;
• Successfully resolving shareholder and director disputes in a number of IT start ups;
• Successfully resolving a shareholder and directors dispute in a well-known local jewellery business.

Many businesses in Northern Ireland remain unincorporated and, rather, take the form of trading partnerships. Occasionally, a partnership deed or agreement is in place. However, in most instances the partnership is an informal “partnership at will”. These arrangements are governed and protected by the Partnership Act 1890. This Act, among other things, sets out the process for dissolving a partnership and for assessing the contribution of each partner upon dissolution.

MKB Law have significant experience in acting for trading partnerships and resolving disputes successfully, including for farming businesses and construction companies.

In our modern world, as a result of globalization and modern communication technology inspiring creativity, Intellectual Property Rights are particularly lucrative and wide ranging. MKB Law has significant experience and are adept at assisting clients in bringing and defending Intellectual Property Disputes.

Recent successful case examples include:

1. Resolving a high value dispute with a major watch supplier involving allegations of intellectual property infringement;
2. Resolving breach of confidence claims arising from the use by a trade competitor of our client’s original design;
3. Successfully injuncting a concert promoter and venue to prevent infringement of our client’s IP rights.

MKB Law have successfully acted on many occasions for businesses who have obtained goods from suppliers which are defective or not fit for purpose. These have included claims arising from defective goods which have subsequently been sold and fitted to our clients’ customers’ homes.

MKB Law have significant experience and a track record of resolving disputes involving land and property. This is perhaps best highlighted by our success in the Court of Appeal case of CPS -v Bywater Capital Limited. Types of cases we regularly assist and resolve include:

1. Business tenancy disputes;
2. Dilapidations claims;
3. Right of way and boundary disputes

MKB Law act for numerous clients arising from construction and building contracts, whether JCT contracts or other more informal contractual arrangements. We can provide expert and cost efficient advice and representation in adjudication, arbitral or court proceedings as required.