
We are by no means strangers to contract disputes. In 2014, Hachette Book Group’s contract was set to expire with Amazon. The latter wanted to negotiate terms to extend the contract, with a new condition being that Hachette lower e-book prices to $9.99. Of course, Hachette was unhappy.
When Amazon extended its under current terms, it punished Hachette by ensuring that customers couldn’t pre-order its books any longer. Those that could be ordered would also take weeks to be delivered. It’s certainly not the last we’ll see as contract disputes are common factors in any workplace. Moreover, the trend actually seems to be increasing. Norton Rose Fulbright’s 2015 Litigation Trends Annual Survey indicated that the increasing number of class action lawsuits and a more litigious business environment were the most important issues impacting respondents’ companies. Gerry Pecht, global head of dispute resolution and litigation at Norton Rose Fulbright, said: “What we are seeing is a direct response to the ever-broadening array of legal and regulatory challenges that companies face today. As the business environment becomes more complex, companies are spending more out of necessity to protect their interests and ensure that they are represented properly.” Digging deeper into the subject, Real Business found that frivolous lawsuits and an increase in litigation were ranked among the UK’s top issues.- Can you fight a business dispute?
- How to manage litigation costs as an SME
- Courts, fees and SMEs: What are your options when litigation is costlier than ever?
from James L. Brooks’ lawyer: “show will go on, Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best.”. (1/2)
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) May 14, 2015
This because I wanted what we’ve always had: the freedom to do other work. Of course, I wish him the very best. (2/2)
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) May 14, 2015
Aside from wondering what TV producers will do since Shearer is probably 50 per cent of the voices on the show, it’s quite worrying that Norton Rose figures suggest that contract disputes are steadily increasing. By Shané Schutte Share this story