A business dispute is a civil conflict between businesses, between owners of the same business, or between a business and a third party that doesn’t fit cleanly into a single contract claim. These cases run on a mix of Nevada statutes — NRS 86 (LLCs), NRS 87/87A (partnerships), NRS 78 (corporations), NRS 598 (deceptive trade practices) — and Nevada common law.
What this practice area covers
Common business disputes Dane handles
- Owner-vs-owner disputes (see Partnership & Shareholder Disputes)
- Business-vs-business contract and tort disputes
- Fraud in business transactions (see Business Fraud Litigation)
- Tortious interference with contract or prospective economic advantage
- Unfair business practices under NRS 598 (Nevada Deceptive Trade Practices Act)
- Trade-secret misappropriation overlap (see Trade Secret Litigation)
- Civil RICO and conspiracy claims when a pattern of misconduct supports them
Approach
Strategy comes before pleading
The first decision in every business dispute isn’t the legal theory — it’s whether to litigate at all. A candid case assessment up front saves the cost of a fight that the facts don’t support, and sets the right strategy when the fight is the right move. Dane has spent 25+ years in Nevada and California courtrooms helping businesses make that call honestly.
Most business-dispute matters cross multiple practice areas — a partnership dispute may involve fraud claims, fiduciary-duty breaches, and an emergency injunction in the same week. The advantage of working with one trial-tested lawyer is that the strategy stays integrated as the case evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Business disputes — frequently asked questions
What is a business dispute under Nevada law?+
A civil conflict between businesses or business owners that doesn’t fit cleanly into a single contract claim — including partnership disputes, fraud, tortious interference, and statutory claims under NRS 598. Nevada commercial litigation typically runs in the Second Judicial District Court (Washoe County) or the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada.
How long does a Nevada business dispute take?+
Most Reno commercial cases reach a final disposition (judgment, settlement, or dismissal) within 12-24 months. Cases with TRO or preliminary-injunction practice up front move faster on the urgent issues; cases with extensive discovery, expert testimony, or appeals run longer.
Can I get punitive damages in a Nevada business dispute?+
Yes — but only on tort claims (fraud, tortious interference, breach of fiduciary duty), and only with clear and convincing evidence of oppression, fraud, or malice under NRS 42.005. Punitive damages are not available on pure breach-of-contract claims.
What’s the difference between mediation and arbitration?+
Mediation is a non-binding settlement process facilitated by a neutral. Arbitration is a binding adjudication by a private arbitrator instead of a judge. Many Nevada commercial contracts contain arbitration clauses; whether they apply depends on the specific language and Nevada Arbitration Act analysis (NRS Chapter 38).
Should I sue in state or federal court?+
Nevada state court (Second Judicial District) for in-state disputes between Nevada parties. Federal court when there is diversity of citizenship and more than $75,000 at stake, or a federal question (DTSA, RICO, federal antitrust). Each forum has procedural and tactical tradeoffs that should be weighed before filing.