Business & Contract Litigation

Business and Contract Litigation Attorneys in Wisconsin

When business disputes arise, they can threaten your company’s stability and success. Whether you face challenges with contract breaches, trade secret violations, or employee agreements, these disputes can drain resources, damage business relationships, and disrupt your daily operations. Business litigation requires strategic thinking, thorough preparation, and skilled advocacy to protect your interests while keeping your business running smoothly. The right legal partner can help you address these challenges efficiently and effectively, allowing you to focus on what matters most: growing your business.

At Bakke Norman, we understand the challenges and nuances of business litigation and work diligently to protect our clients’ interests throughout Northwest Wisconsin. Since 1985, our accomplished attorneys have helped businesses resolve their legal challenges while maintaining the highest professional standards in the region. With offices in New Richmond, Baldwin, Menomonie, and Eau Claire, we bring extensive experience in business litigation, including crucial matters involving non-compete agreements and trade secret protection. Call us today at (715) 246-3800 or contact us online for a confidential consultation with a Wisconsin business and contract litigation attorney.

Understanding Non-Compete Agreements

Non-compete agreements serve as important tools for businesses to protect their interests, and recent federal regulatory developments have created significant uncertainty in this area. While the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) attempted to implement rules that would have banned most non-compete clauses, a federal court decision in August 2024 has blocked this ban nationwide.

The legal status of non-compete agreements continues to evolve, with ongoing litigation and potential appeals likely to shape their future enforceability. Currently, Wisconsin businesses can continue to use non-compete agreements, subject to existing state laws and judicial oversight. However, these agreements face increasing scrutiny, making it essential to craft them carefully and strategically.

When developing non-compete agreements, businesses should consider:

  • A reasonable scope and duration of restrictions
  • Geographic limitations that align with business interests
  • A clear definition of prohibited competitive activities
  • Legitimate business reasons for restrictions
  • Compliance with current Wisconsin state law

For Wisconsin businesses, implementing effective non-compete strategies requires careful planning and regular review. We help our clients develop compliant approaches that protect their business interests through:

  • Reviewing and updating existing employment agreements
  • Drafting enforceable non-disclosure agreements
  • Creating targeted non-solicitation provisions
  • Developing comprehensive trade secret protection strategies
  • Monitoring ongoing legal developments that may affect agreement enforceability

Trade Secret Protection

In today’s dynamic legal environment, with continued uncertainty surrounding non-compete agreements, protecting trade secrets has become increasingly crucial for Wisconsin businesses. Trade secrets can encompass various types of valuable business information, such as:

  • Customer lists and preferences
  • Manufacturing processes and techniques
  • Proprietary software and algorithms
  • Business strategies and marketing plans
  • Financial data and pricing structures
  • Research and development information

The rolling terrain and rural nature of much of Northwest Wisconsin can make boundary issues particularly challenging. Many properties have boundaries marked by natural features, such as tree lines or waterways, that may change over time. Additionally, some older properties may have descriptions based on outdated surveying methods, leading to confusion about exact boundary locations.

These assets require robust protection through carefully crafted legal strategies.

Strategies to Protect Trade Secrets

At Bakke Norman, we help businesses implement comprehensive trade secret protection programs that include protective measures and legal documentation such as:

  • Well-drafted confidentiality agreements
  • Clear policies regarding confidential information
  • Secure document management systems
  • Employee training programs
  • Access control protocols
  • Non-disclosure agreements that comply with current regulations
  • Confidentiality provisions in employment contracts
  • Information classification systems
  • Security breach response protocols
  • Exit interview procedures

Responding to Trade Secret Violations

When trade secret violations occur, every moment counts. Unauthorized disclosure or use of trade secrets can quickly escalate into substantial financial losses and permanent competitive disadvantage. Our litigation team understands the urgency of these situations and stands ready to take immediate action to protect your business interests.

Swift, strategic legal intervention may include:

  • Temporary Restraining Orders – We can quickly petition the court to stop any unauthorized use or further disclosure of trade secrets, preventing additional harm to your business while the legal process unfolds.
  • Injunctive Relief – Our attorneys can pursue court orders that provide long-term protection of your trade secrets and prevent former employees or competitors from using your confidential information.
  • Financial Recovery – We can help quantify and pursue compensation for losses stemming from trade secret misappropriation, including lost profits, development costs, and other economic harm.
  • Agreement Enforcement – After the violation of a confidentiality agreement, we can take decisive action to enforce these contracts and hold violators accountable.
  • Defense Strategy – For businesses facing accusations of trade secret misappropriation, we provide robust defense strategies while working to resolve disputes efficiently.

Time is of the essence in trade secret cases. Evidence can disappear quickly, and the damage from unauthorized disclosure can multiply rapidly. Our experienced litigation team knows how to act decisively while carefully documenting violations and preserving crucial evidence. We help clients through emergency court proceedings while developing comprehensive strategies for the long-term protection of their intellectual property.

Contract Dispute Resolution

When contract disputes arise, businesses need practical solutions that protect their interests while minimizing disruption to their operations. Our attorneys at Bakke Norman understand that each dispute presents unique challenges, and we tailor our approach to achieve the best possible outcome for each client.

Types of Contract Disputes We Handle

We handle various types of contract disputes, including:

  • Breach of contract claims
  • Supply chain disagreements
  • Service agreement conflicts
  • Partnership disputes
  • Commercial lease issues
  • Employment contract matters

Our attorneys first explore cost-effective resolution methods, such as negotiation and mediation, which often lead to faster and less expensive solutions than traditional litigation. However, when necessary, we vigorously represent our clients in court, drawing on our extensive litigation experience in Wisconsin state and federal courts.

Possible Remedies for Contract Disputes

During contract disputes, we help clients pursue appropriate remedies, such as:

  • Monetary compensation for losses
  • Specific performance of contract terms
  • Contract reformation or rescission
  • Enforcement of payment terms
  • Recovery of legal costs when applicable

Our team will thoroughly assess your situation to determine the most effective way forward for you and your business.

How Bakke Norman Can Help

For nearly forty years, Bakke Norman has served businesses throughout Northwest Wisconsin with a commitment to excellence and personal attention. Our business litigation team brings decades of combined experience to every case we handle. We understand the local business environment and the courts in our region, allowing us to provide practical, effective legal solutions.

We assist clients by:

  • Evaluating potential legal claims and defenses
  • Developing strategic litigation plans
  • Managing discovery and document production
  • Representing clients in negotiations and court proceedings
  • Protecting business interests during dispute resolution

Our knowledgeable attorneys take the time to learn about each client’s business goals and challenges. This approach allows us to provide legal solutions that align with our clients’ broader business objectives while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Contact Bakke Norman Today

When it comes to business and contract litigation matters, seemingly minor issues can quickly become overwhelming crises. Every moment counts. If you need experienced legal representation for business litigation matters, turn to the accomplished attorneys at Bakke Norman. We serve clients throughout Northwest Wisconsin from our offices in New Richmond, Baldwin, Menomonie, and Eau Claire.

Call our offices today at (715) 246-3800 or fill out our online form to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how our team can help protect your business interests. Our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys are ready to provide the swift and solid support and advocacy your business needs to help you through any of your business-related challenges. Don’t try to handle this on your own. Skilled assistance is a phone call away.

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