Legal Question in Business Law in California

Retail rights

I bought a clothing and skate board shop 12/01/05 in

Redlands, California. I am finding vendors refusing to sell their respective merchandise to me because of

similar, competing businesses with in the general area. The other shops aren't allowing some vendors to sell to me for competion reasons. I would like to know if this practice is legal. I was told that this was illegal by an

industry trade show professional.


Asked on 1/22/06, 12:18 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Christopher M. Brainard, Esq. C. M. Brainard & Associates - (310) 266-4115

Re: Retail rights

You are confronting a rather complicated area of law. Essentially, you would need to assert a monopoly and or anti-trust claim vs. their right to sell to whom they please. I can help you with this area, but I would need to learn more about your specific facts and I prefer to form longer term relationships with clients -- you sound like a business person who will need an attorney for many projects/issues. I invite you to contact me.

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Answered on 1/22/06, 12:25 pm
JOHN GUERRINI THE GUERRINI LAW FIRM - COLLECTION LAWYERS

Re: Retail rights

Absent other facts establishing that there are legitimate business reasons for the vendors' refusal to sell to you (such as creditworthiness), the practice is illegal, violating a host of California and Federal statutes, including unfair competition statutes. If these facts can be proven, then you would be entitled to file suit against the vendors and competitors on a variety of grounds. Such suit would seek not only general damages, but also disgorgement of illicit profits, injunctive relief, and in some situations, punitive damages.

However, before doing so, you would need to obtain concrete proof of the apparent conspiracy. The issue here would be definitely be one of proof. Obtain the vendor's written confirmation or assurance (email, fax, whatever) that it is not selling to you because they would rather sell to your competition. Evidence that your competition has convinced the vendor(s) not to sell to you is also key.

You should seek out a business litigator with experience in unfair competition claims. We are civil litigators with extensive experience in these types of claims. If/when you are ready to proceed, please feel free to call or email for a consultation.

***No Legal Services or Attorney Client Relationship - Although this email may provide information concerning potential legal issues, it is not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. You should not and are not authorized to rely on this email as a source of legal advice. Until a formal Retainer Agreement is executed, any communication between you and The Guerrini Law Firm cannot create any attorney-client relationship between you and The Guerrini Law Firm.***

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Answered on 1/22/06, 12:27 pm
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Re: Retail rights

I don't agree with the previous answers.

Manufacturers often, and perfectly legally, give exclusive territories to retailers.

Sure, the practice can be abused so as to be in illegal restraint of trade, but these controlled distribution setups are standard practice and will generally withstand legal challenge.

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Answered on 1/22/06, 1:50 pm


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