Commercial Litigation

Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel, LLP has extensive experience in Commercial and Business Litigation. Our aggressive, experienced and well respected trial lawyers have the proven ability to represent clients in all types of business disputes. Our clients include large corporations, mid-sized companies, sole proprietors, manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, service providers, real estate developers, tenants, condominium associations, professionals and banks and finance companies amongst others.

We have litigated the full scope of disputes that occur between businesses, including, but not limited to, breach of contract, real estate and real estate development disputes, patent, trademark or copyright infringement, employment disputes, non-compete and non-disclosure issues and shareholder and partnership disputes. Additional types of litigated cases are in the list below.

Astor Weiss aggressively tries cases before a judge or jury to maximize the results for our clients. We also resolve cases by using alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration. That approach often minimizes legal fees and costs. If a case cannot be settled we remain prepared and ready to go to trial.

Because of the wide range of services of Astor Weiss, our litigators have the valuable resource of experience and knowledge of attorneys in our business, banking and real estate departments for advice and guidance. That resource together with the skills and experience of Astor Weiss’ litigators results in high quality representation. We provide those high quality services while maintaining personalized relationships with our clients.

Astor Weiss litigates in the state and federal courts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and in other jurisdictions.

Examples of Commercial Cases Litigated By Astor Weiss Attorneys:

Commercial Litigation Lawyers

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David L. Woloshin

Partner

David L. Woloshin

Partner

Background

David Woloshin has represented and advocated for the rights of seriously injured persons and their families for over 30 years. As chair of the Personal Injury Department, Dave brings an insightful perspective that his many clients have learned to expect throughout his career. As a consummate negotiator and litigator Dave has never lost sight of treating his clients with the respect and consideration they deserve regardless of the size of their case. Dave is recognized as a leader in many cases involving national importance and significance.

Recently Woloshin filed a death injury law suit on behalf of three victims and their families of a fatal rollover crash caused by a defective Chinese-made tire. This suit prompted the U.S. tire importer and distributor to ask the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for help in recalling nearly a half a million Chinese-made light truck tires. Dave believes that this recall may have caused to prevent additional deaths and injury. In the litigation against Mattel, Woloshin filed suit against the importer of millions of Chinese made toys that were recalled due to lead paint and small magnets, to pay for testing for children who may have been affected by the toys.

Regardless of those achievements and his recent selection to the Super Lawyers of Pennsylvania, Dave is equally proud to represent each and every client who contacts him and is humbled by the many letters of appreciation he has received from clients for whom he was able to achieve a measure of justice.

Education

Temple University, B.A.
Widener School of Law, J.D

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania
U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Court of Appeal for the Third Circuit

Professional Affiliations

Pennsylvania Bar Association
Philadelphia Bar Association
American Assoication for Justice

Awards

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® 2008-2015

Community Involvement

Member of the Board of Directors for the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania
Consultant to many nursing organizations, non-profit groups and injury treatment centers
General Counsel to The Women’s Film Festival

Contact

David L. Woloshin, Esquire
Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel, LLP
The Bellevue
200 South Broad Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.400.2256
215.790.0509 (fax)
dwoloshin@astorweiss.com

David I. Grunfeld

Of Counsel

David I. Grunfeld

Of Counsel

Background

David Grunfeld is Of Counsel to the firm, with his practice focused on the areas of Family law, Commercial Litigation and Collections, Bankruptcy, Estate Planning and Administration and Professional Responsibility. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Grunfeld was a sole practitioner.

Mr. Grunfeld is well known in the legal community for his knowledge of legal ethics and has been asked to serve as an expert witness in litigation concerning this issue.

Education

Lehigh University, B.S.
University of Pennsylvania Law School, J.D., 1968

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania
U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U. S. Supreme Court

Professional Affiliations

Member and former Chair (1993) of the Family Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association
Long-time member of the Professional Guidance Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association
Member of the Board of Family Services of Montgomery County

Awards

In 1995 and 2012, Mr. Grunfeld received the Philadelphia Bar Association Family Law Section Award

Presentations and Publications

Long-time speaker and writer for Continuing Legal Education classes for attorneys for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute and other organizations
Author of a chapter in Bankruptcy Issues in Matrimonial Cases, published in 1992
Serves as an ethics columnist for Philadelphia Lawyer magazine and Philadelphia Bar Reporter newspaper
Previously served as editor-in-chief of the Philadelphia Bar magazine and newspaper

Contact

David I. Grunfeld, Esquire
Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel, LLP
The Bellevue
200 South Broad Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.790.0100
215.790.0509 (fax)
dgrunfeld@astorweiss.com

Stephen H. Green

Of Counsel

Stephen H. Green

Of Counsel

Background

Stephen Green is Of Counsel to the Firm. His practice is focused in the areas of business, real estate, tax and estate planning, administration, and litigation. Among other representations, he has taken companies public and has helped neighborhood family business be sold. He has handled large commercial real estate transactions as well as home purchases. He administers estates of all sizes and has litigated large estate matters. He prepares simple Wills and sophisticated estate plans.

Education

Lafayette College, A.B., Phi Beta Kappa
Columbia University Law School, J.D.
New York University Law School, LLM in Taxation

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania
U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
The United States Tax Court

Professional Affiliations

Former chair of Philadelphia Bar Association Fee Disputes Committee
Lecturer in Continuing Legal Education seminars
Former member of the Boards of the Support Center for Child Advocates, the Philadelphia Association for Retarded Citizens, and the Friends

Neighborhood Guild

Former President of the Associated Alumni of Central High School, Philadelphia
Lecturer on business law at two area colleges

Presentations and Publications

Guardianship in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Bar Institute Article
“Activism and the Tax Status of Exempt Organizations”, Pennsylvania Bar Quarterly Article
“Understanding Estate Planning and Wills” authored by Stephen H. Green
“Willmaking”, article in the the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

Contact

Stephen H. Green, Esquire
Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel, LLP
The Bellevue
200 South Broad Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.790.0100
215.790.0509 (fax)
sgreen@astorweiss.com

Dina S. Ronsayro

Partner

Dina S. Ronsayro

Partner

Background

Dina Ronsayro is a partner in the firm, with her practice focused on the areas of Family law, Personal Injury Litigation, Commercial and Civil Litigation, Landlord-Tenant law, and non-profit organization formation (including obtaining federal tax exempt status).

Ms. Ronsayro began working for the firm as a law clerk while attending law school. While attending Temple University, Ms. Ronsayro was a member of the Political and Civil Rights Law Review and a participant in the Advanced Trial Advocacy Program.

As a mother of young children, Ms. Ronsayro is sensitive to the needs of young families and the unique issues they face.

Education

Hamilton College, B.A., 1996
Temple University School of Law, J.D., 1999

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey
U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S.District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U. S. District Court for New Jersey
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey
The United States Tax Court

Professional Affiliations

Former Chair (2016) of the Philadelphia Bar Association Family Law Section
Philadelphia Bar Association; Co-chair – Support and Alimony Committee, Family Law Section
Philadelphia Bar Association; Member of the Executive Committee, Family Law Section
Philadelphia Bar Association; Former member of the Board of Governors
Philadelphia Bar Association; Former member of the Commission on Judicial Selection and Retention
Volunteer Arbitrator for the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas

Community Involvement

Active member of the region’s Filipino community and has provided all types of legal services to that community
Ms. Ronsayro was the attorney of record for Congregation B’nai Tikvah-Beth Israel located in Gloucester County, N.J.
Ms. Ronsayro had served as the Vice President of Congregation B’nai Tikvah-Beth Israel located in Gloucester County, N.J. as well as its board.

Awards

Hamilton College, Levitt Scholar
Ms. Ronsayro received numerous awards while at Temple University Law School for participation and oral advocacy.
Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Star® 2008, 2010-2012 (Note: There was no Rising Star Publication in 2009)
Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® 2013-2017

Presentations and Publications

Ms. Ronsayro has spoken at the Philadelphia Bench Bar Presentation on issues of Support in Family Law.
She has further spoken at various Bar Association Family Law Section meetings on issues of Support in Family Law

Contact

Dina S. Ronsayro, Esquire
Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel, LLP
The Bellevue
200 South Broad Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.893.4966
215.790.0509 (fax)
dronsayro@astorweiss.com

W. Mark Mullineaux

Partner

W. Mark Mullineaux

Partner

Background

Commercial and IP Attorney

Mr. Mullineaux is a partner and has practiced commercial law and Intellectual Property law for over 30 years. He leads the firm’s IP practice, including patent, trademark and copyright litigation and obtaining federal trademarks and copyrights.

Mr. Mullineaux is a business attorney and a trial attorney. He had 17 years’ experience with a Philadelphia Am Law 100 firm.

Mr. Mullineaux provides advice and guidance on patents, trademarks, and copyrights and commercial matters and provides commercial contracts, license agreements, including software licensing, restriction of use agreements, confidentiality agreements, sale of business agreements and other IP and commercial documents. He has acted as “outsourced in-house counsel.”

Mr. Mullineaux’s litigation and trial attorney experience provides a strong basis to prepare IP and commercial documents that provide solid protection of clients’ rights, interests and options.

Litigator and Trial Lawyer in Commercial and IP cases

Mr. Mullineaux successfully takes cases, jury trials and arbitrations to final verdict and has won multi-million dollar verdicts in business cases. Mr. Mullineaux is one of the few attorneys to win a jury verdict in an IP case. Mr. Mullineaux litigates before the United States Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.

Litigated cases involving breach of contract, patent, trademark, copyright, real estate, covenants not to compete, confidentiality agreements, fraudulent conveyances, business torts, claims against directors and officers, securities, business torts, confession of judgment, real estate development disputes, mortgage foreclosure, construction defects and employment termination. He masterminds all phases of federal and state cases with comprehensive knowledge of commercial, contract and IP law.

Lead counsel in patent infringement cases involving one patent against AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and others in eight states and supervised and managed local counsel in all cases.

Mr. Mullineaux is admitted to the courts of the Supreme Court of the United States, United States Court of Appeals of the Third Circuit, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and all Pennsylvania state courts. He has litigated cases in many federal courts around the United States.

Mr. Mullineaux has resolved many cases with use of mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

Mr. Mullineaux has international arbitration experience before the International Chamber of Commerce International Court of Arbitration.

Education

Shippensburg Univeristy, B.S.B.A. Finance, Summa Cum Laude, 1981
University of Notre Dame Law School, J.D., Summa Cum Laude, 1984

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania
Supreme Court of the United States
U. S. District Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
U. S. District Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U. S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
U. S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
U. S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
U. S. District Court for New Jersey

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association; Co-chair Philadelphia Intellectual Roundtable Presentations which hosts and directs six seminars a year
Montgomery County Bar Association; intellectual property committee
Chester County Bar Association Chairman of Lawyer Referral Committee (1998-2003)
Philadelphia Entrepreneurs’ Forum; Member and and former Board of Director member (1998-2005)

Contact

W. Mark Mullineaux, Esquire
Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel, LLP
The Bellevue
200 South Broad Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.790.0100
215.790.0509 (fax)
mmullineaux@astorweiss.com

Pace Reich

Of Counsel

Pace Reich

Of Counsel

Background

Pace Reich, P.C. is special counsel to the firm and provides to the firm the services of Mr. Reich. Mr. Reich has a practice focused on the areas of Bankruptcy, Corporate law and Commercial Litigation.

Mr. Reich has more than fifty years experience in bankruptcy law. His principal non-bankruptcy practice involves commercial litigation in the federal and state courts.

Education

Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania, B. S. in Economics
University of Pennsylvania Law School, LLB

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania
U.S. Supreme Court
U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U. S. Courts of Appeals for the Third and Ninth Circuits

Professional Affiliations

Montgomery County Bar Association
Eastern District Pennsylvania Bankruptcy Conference

Presentations and Publications

Mr. Reich has taught a Practical course on Chapter 11
Mr. Reich serves as a U.S Bankruptcy court mediator.

Contact

Pace Reich, Esquire
Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel, LLP
The Bellevue
200 South Broad Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.790.0100
215.790.0509 (fax)
preich@astorweiss.com

Jordan Schlossberg

Partner

Jordan Schlossberg

Partner

Background

Jordan Schlossberg is a partner in the firm, with his practice focused on personal injury, commercial, and estate litigation. He is a licensed member of the bar in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is admitted to practice in the Federal Courts for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the District of New Jersey as well as the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

Mr. Schlossberg graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005 and thereafter graduated from Widener University School of Law in 2009 where he earned the Greenwatch Institute Scholarship Award and graduated with Pro Bono Distinction. During law school, Jordan participated in the J.D. Alternative Break in Israel where he consulted with Holocaust Survivors and Darfurian refugees.

Mr. Schlossberg previously practiced Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Litigation at a Philadelphia law firm where he handled numerous matters in both State and Federal Court involving general negligence, complex personal injury as well as pharmaceutical mass torts.

While in law school, Mr. Schlossberg worked as a Student Attorney in the Environmental Natural Resources Law Clinic, where he represented individuals and non-profit organizations with respect to issues involving clean air, clean water and land use matters. Following his graduation from law school, Mr. Schlossberg served as a law clerk for the Honorable Rayford A. Means in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas – Criminal Division and additionally volunteered for the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.

Jordan lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and enjoys attending live concert performances as well as exercising.

He is a member of the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association and the Young Lawyers Division of the Philadelphia Bar Association.

Mr. Schlossberg was selected for inclusion in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® Rising Stars for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. This award is limited to only 2.5 percent of all Pennsylvania attorneys under the age of 40.

One of 30 attorneys in Pennsylvania selected by The Legal Intelligencer as a ‘2018 Lawyers on the Fast Track’

Mr. Schlossberg has been selected to serve as a Judge Pro Tem for the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County

Education

University of Pittsburgh, B.A., 2005
Widener University School of Law, J.D., 2009

Court Admissions

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Supreme Court of New Jersey
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S.District Court of New Jersey
United States Court of appeals for the Third Circuit

Professional Affiliations

Pennsylvania Association for Justice
Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association
Philadelphia Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division

Awards

Selected 2018 Lawyers on the Fast Track – The Legal Intelligencer
Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® Rising Stars 2014 – 2015 – 2016 – 2017 – 2018
Widener University School of Law, Greenwatch Institute Scholarship Award
Widener University School of Law, Pro Bono Distinction

Community Involvement

Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts

Clerkships

Philadelphia, Court of Common Pleas, Honorable Rayford A. Means

Contact

Jordan Schlossberg, Esquire
Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel, LLP
The Bellevue
200 South Broad Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.790.9848
215.790.0509 (fax)
jschlossberg@astorweiss.com

Jerrold V. Moss

Special Counsel

Jerrold V. Moss

Special Counsel

Background

Jerrold “Jim” Moss is Special Counsel to the firm, with his practice focused in the areas of civil litigation and business transactions. Mr. Moss represents clients involved in commercial disputes, personal injury claims and general business transactions. His clients have included advertising agencies, condominium associations, artists and arts organizations, medical providers and law firms. Mr. Moss has established “new law” through arguments to appellate courts. Before joining the firm, he chaired the litigation department at Rubin Quinn Moss & Patterson.

Education

Pennsylvania State University, B. A.
University of Pennsylvania Law School, J. D.

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania
U. S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U. S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Professional Affiliations

Served on Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association
Served on Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association
Served as President of the Government Study Commission (which drafted the Home Rule Charter of Cheltenham Township)
Served on Cheltenham Township Zoning Board

Community Involvement

Served as Vice President, Society Hill Civic Association
Serves as President of Council, Society Hill Towers Owners Association
Serves as Counsel and on Executive Committee of Central Delaware Advocacy Group
Served on Mayor’s Central Delaware Riverfront Advisory Group
Served on Board of Directors of Muse Gallery
Served on Board of Directors of Cheltenham Center for the Arts

Presentations and Publications

Mr. Moss taught Business Law at Spring Garden College

Contact

Jerrold V. Moss, Esquire
Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel, LLP
The Bellevue
200 South Broad Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.790.0100
215.790.0509 (fax)
jmoss@astorweiss.com

David Gutin

Partner

David Gutin

Partner

Background

David Gutin is a partner in the firm, with his practice focused on Family Law and Commercial Litigation. He co-chairs the Firm’s Family Law/Domestic Relations group. He has worked extensively in many facets of family law, including divorce, child custody, support, adoption and prenuptial agreements. Mr. Gutin has been a leader in the Philadelphia and South Jersey Jewish communities for more than 30 years.

Education

Rutgers University, B.A., high honors, Phi Beta Kappa, 1969
Columbia University Law School, J.D., Stone Scholar, 1972

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania
New Jersey
U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U. S. District Court of New Jersey
Third Circuit Court of Appeals

Professional Affiliations

Pennsylvania Bar Association
Philadelphia Bar Association
New Jersey Bar Association

Awards

Philadelphia Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Community Service Award in 1982
Philadelphia Federation’s Young Leadership Award in 1977
Pennsylvania Super Lawyer® 2005-2015

Community Involvement

Served as the Chairman (2004 to 2007) of the Philadelphia Jewish Community Relations Council
Serves on the Board of Trustees of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey
Serves as Vice President of Jewish Senior Housing and Healthcare Services, Voorhees, New Jersey
Served as President of Congregation Beth El, Voorhees, New Jersey (2003 to 2005)
Served on the boards of the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Jewish Family and Children’s Agency of Greater Philadelphia

Contact

David Gutin, Esquire
Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel, LLP
The Bellevue
200 South Broad Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.893.4963
215.790.0509 (fax)
dgutin@astorweiss.com

Dmitriy Kostin

Associate

Dmitriy Kostin

Associate

GACo_Dmitriy-Kostin-FINAL Background

Dmitriy Kostin is an associate in the firm, with his practice focused on Litigation. He is a licensed member of the bar in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Mr. Kostin graduated from Temple University in 2007 and thereafter graduated from University of Miami School of Law in 2010.

Mr. Kostin previously practiced Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Litigation and Claimant’s Workers’ Compensation at several Philadelphia area law firms where he handled numerous matters in every level of Pennsylvania State Courts involving general negligence, complex personal injury as well as workers’ compensation.

Following his graduation from law school, Mr. Kostin served as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Angelo DiCamillo in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage – Family Division.

Dmitriy lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with his wife and enjoys attending live sporting events, concert and art/historical exhibits.

Education

Temple University , B.B.A., 2007
University of Miami School of Law, J.D., 2010

Court Admissions

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
Supreme Court of New Jersey

Clerkships

New Jersey Superior Court , Camden Vicinage, Honorable Angelo DiCamillo

Contact

Dmitriy V. Kostin, Esquire
Astor Weiss Kaplan & Mandel, LLP
The Bellevue
200 South Broad Street, Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.790.0100
215.790.0509 (fax)
DKostin@astorweiss.com

Defamation, Bad Faith Litigation

“Defamation” relates to untrue statement(s) that hurts someone’s reputation. Written defamation is called “libel” and spoken defamation is called “slander.” A person who has been defamed has a cause of action. We handle defamation cases.

In Pennsylvania, “bad faith litigation” is covered by the Dragonetti Act which authorizes a lawsuit to recover damages caused by an opponent committing “wrongful use of civil proceedings.” The Act is violated if a person files a lawsuit without probable cause, primarily for an improper purpose, and the case is terminated in favor of the person against whom the case was brought. We have litigated Dragonetti Act cases and have recovered substantial funds in litigation under the Dragonetti Act.

Bank and Finance Disputes: Mortgage Foreclosure, Confessions of Judgment Litigation, Fraudulent Conveyances

Astor Weiss is very experienced in financial litigation, including mortgage foreclosures and confession of judgment cases (where before a judge ever sees the case the holder of note enters a judgment against another party). Recently, on behalf of a client we successfully convinced a court to open a judgment that had been filed as a “confessed judgment.”

We have litigated claims of fraudulent conveyance, which is an allegation that a person is attempting to avoid payment of debt by transferring money to another person or company. The cause of action is typically brought by creditors.

Financial litigation involves precise rules and law and we are well equipped and experienced to file any claim with a court or to defend in court in this area.

Intellectual Property: Patent, Trademark and Copyright and Domain Name Disputes

Astor Weiss litigates Intellectual Property cases of patent, trademark and copyright in federal courts. We also have experience litigating before the United States Patent and Trademark Office Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. At the same time, we have an active practice of trademark prosecution which involves obtaining federally registered trademarks for clients.

Intellectual Property cases almost always settle without a trial. Astor Weiss has the rare experience of winning a jury trial by proving copyright infringement. We did that for an independent professional photographer against a franchise company that used his pictures in posters and billboards in a number of different states without the photographer’s consent.

Our experience in both trademark prosecution and trademark litigation gives a depth of knowledge and experience that strengthens our services in both areas.

With the development of the internet, the use of a “domain name” on line is very important to businesses. An example of a domain name is “astorweiss.com”- the domain name used to access this website. Domain name disputes often include disputes over a trademark and we have extensive experience of handling disputes over domain names in court.

Intentional or Negligent Interference with Contractual Relationships or Business Relationships

Intentional or Negligent Interference with Contractual Relationships or Business Relationships occurs when a person intentionally or negligently damages another person’s contractual or other business relationships. There is a privilege to compete for business. Typical marketing efforts or ordinary and recognized steps taken to obtain a customer will not result in a valid cause of action of interference with contract or business relationship. Under the privilege of free competition, a competitor is free to divert business to himself as long as he uses fair and reasonable means. Thus, a person claiming a wrongful interference must present facts indicating that the interference is wrongful and is outside the realm of legitimate business transactions.

A person may be held liable for interference with a contract or business relationship if that person engages in unlawful or wrongful means. “Wrongful” in this context includes violations of federal or state law or unethical business practices, violence, fraud, misrepresentation, unfounded litigation, defamation, trade libel or trademark infringement, intimidation, coercion, or obstruction of a rival or his servants or workmen.

Astor Weiss has expertise in litigating and prevailing in these cases.

Shareholder and Partnership Disputes, Directors’ and Officers’ Obligations and Liability, Business Dissolutions.

We have handled cases involving disputes between owners of a business and cases relating to performance of directors and officers. We have been involved in litigation where the issue is whether the assets were distributed properly in dissolution of a business. Involvement of our business attorneys with our litigators results in high quality representation in these often complex cases.

Commercial Litigation

Astor Weiss litigates in the state and federal courts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and in other jurisdictions.

Examples of Commercial Cases Litigated By Astor Weiss Attorneys:

Breach of Contract Disputes, including Debt Collection, Construction Litigation, Employment Disputes, Covenants Not to Compete, Confidentiality – Non-Disclosure Agreements, Real Estate Disputes, Sale of Business Disputes and the Uniform Commercial Code.

Defamation, Bad Faith Litigation.

Financial Disputes: Mortgage Foreclosure, Confessions of Judgment Litigation, Fraudulent Conveyances.

Intellectual Property -Patent, Trademark and Copyright and Domain Name Disputes.

Intentional or Negligent Interference with Contracts or Business Relationships.

Shareholder and Partnership Disputes, Directors’ and Officers’ Obligations and Liability, Business Dissolutions

Franchise – Franchise Disputes

Commercial Litigation Lawyers

Defamation, Bad Faith Litigation

“Defamation” relates to untrue statement(s) that hurts someone’s reputation. Written defamation is called “libel” and spoken defamation is called “slander.” A person who has been defamed has a cause of action. We handle defamation cases.

Bank and Finance Disputes: Mortgage Foreclosure, Confessions of Judgment Litigation, Fraudulent Conveyances

We have litigated claims of fraudulent conveyance, which is an allegation that a person is attempting to avoid payment of debt by transferring money to another person or company. The cause of action is typically brought by creditors.

Financial litigation involves precise rules and law and we are well equipped and experienced to file any claim with a court or to defend in court in this area.

Intellectual Property: Patent, Trademark and Copyright and Domain Name Disputes

Our experience in both trademark prosecution and trademark litigation gives a depth of knowledge and experience that strengthens our services in both areas.

Intentional or Negligent Interference with Contractual Relationships or Business Relationships

Astor Weiss has expertise in litigating and prevailing in these cases.

Shareholder and Partnership Disputes, Directors’ and Officers’ Obligations and Liability, Business Dissolutions.