Business & Partnership Litigation, Vancouver
Protecting what you built when disputes arise.
Commercial disputes between businesses — and conflicts between partners and shareholders — can disrupt operations, damage relationships, and threaten the value of enterprises built over years. Romaya Law provides experienced business litigation counsel in Vancouver and across British Columbia.
Business disputes rarely arise at convenient times. Whether you are facing a conflict with a former partner, a breakdown in a commercial relationship, a shareholder deadlock, or a construction claim, the legal and commercial stakes are high — and the decisions made early in a dispute often determine the outcome. Romaya Law's Vancouver litigation team advises businesses and business owners across BC and Canada on the full spectrum of commercial disputes, from negotiated resolution through to BC Supreme Court proceedings. This page provides general information only and does not substitute for legal advice tailored to your circumstances.
Commercial Disputes Between Businesses in British Columbia
Business-to-business disputes in BC can arise from almost any commercial relationship: supply and distribution agreements, service contracts, commercial leases, joint venture arrangements, and licensing deals. When these relationships break down — through breach of contract, alleged misrepresentation, non-payment, or a fundamental change in circumstances — the parties need counsel who understands both the legal issues and the commercial context. Our Vancouver team works with businesses to assess their position clearly, identify the strongest legal arguments, and pursue resolution in a way that accounts for ongoing operations and commercial objectives.
Partnership Disputes — When Business Partners Cannot Agree
Partnership disputes in BC can range from disagreements over profit allocation and management decisions to allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of partnership assets, or a partner competing against the partnership's interests. The terms of any partnership agreement — and where there is none, the default provisions of BC's Partnership Act — govern the rights and obligations of the parties. Disputes can escalate quickly when partners are locked in daily operational conflict. Early legal advice can prevent a manageable disagreement from becoming an irreparably damaged business relationship or costly litigation.
Shareholder Disputes and Corporate Governance Conflicts
Shareholder disputes often arise from alleged oppression — conduct by the majority that unfairly disregards the interests of minority shareholders — or from disputes about the management and direction of the corporation. These matters sit at the intersection of commercial litigation and corporate law, which is why Romaya Law's civil litigation practice works in close alignment with our Corporate practice. Remedies available in shareholder disputes can include buyout orders, injunctive relief, and in serious cases, the winding-up of the corporation. Each matter requires a careful assessment of the shareholder agreement, the corporation's constating documents, and the conduct in question.
Construction Litigation and Commercial Claims in BC
Construction disputes are among the most common commercial litigation matters in British Columbia. They arise from defective work, cost overruns, project delays, disputes over contract scope, and failures to pay contractors or subcontractors. BC's Builders Lien Act provides lien rights that can be registered against property as security for unpaid amounts — but those rights come with strict deadlines that must be met. Construction claims can also involve questions of contractual interpretation, professional negligence, and insurance coverage. Our Vancouver business litigation team advises both owners and contractors on construction disputes across BC.
Litigation Strategy for Businesses — Cost, Risk, and Commercial Goals
Commercial litigation is expensive, and a courtroom victory that costs more than the dispute was worth is rarely a true win. Effective business litigation counsel is as focused on the commercial outcome as the legal one. Our approach involves a frank early assessment of your position — what your claims or defences are worth, what risks you face, and what a realistic resolution looks like. Most commercial disputes in BC resolve before trial, and the way a case is built from the start shapes settlement leverage. When litigation is necessary, we are prepared to take it all the way.
How we help with business & partnership litigation
Partnership Agreements Matter
A well-drafted partnership agreement defines dispute resolution mechanisms, exit rights, and profit sharing — reducing the risk that a business disagreement becomes costly litigation.
Minority Shareholder Protections
BC's Business Corporations Act provides statutory protections for minority shareholders facing oppressive or unfairly prejudicial conduct by those in control of the corporation.
Builders Lien Rights
Contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in BC have lien rights under the Builders Lien Act — but these rights must be filed within strict timelines or they are lost.
Fiduciary Duties in Business
Partners and corporate directors owe fiduciary duties — including duties of loyalty and good faith — that restrict self-dealing and competition against the business they serve.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Commercial contracts often contain arbitration or mediation clauses. These mechanisms can resolve disputes faster and more privately than court proceedings — with binding results.
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