Legal Question in Business Law in Tennessee

Old business is suing New business

I have an accquaintance that I used to help in his DBA business as a bookkeeper (was not paid). Turns out he had legal trouble and went to jail. His business closed. I partnered up with someone and created a new business, same location, we filed a business license under our business name (he did not ever register with the state), all new paperwork, all new everything, except we signed a new lease in the same place after he was evicted. Now he is suing me saying I stole his business. Some of his old students signed up with us, but a majorityw went to another school (karate) plus we have new students that he never even had. We did not use anything that was his or used any of his paperwork or documents. Can he sue me successfully? Does he have any legal standing?


Asked on 5/29/07, 1:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James R. Becker, Jr. Becker Law Firm

Re: Old business is suing New business

Probably not, but this is something that you will need to consult with an attorney about. One of the items the attorney will need to see are any sort of written agreements that you may have had with the acquaintance. Another issue would be the timeline along which all of this happened. Finally, there is a question as to what ability the acquaintance had to continue providing any service to his former students.

If you would like to discuss this in more detail, I can be contacted at [email protected].

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Answered on 5/29/07, 2:24 pm


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