St. Louis Legal Issues Blog
Is a Franchisee a ‘Consumer’ Under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA)?
This question comes up more than you might expect, and the answer is genuinely complicated. Franchisees who feel they were misled during the sales process often want to know whether Missouri’s consumer protection statute gives them a path to recovery. It’s a reasonable question, and the legal analysis is more interesting than a simple yes […]
Jun 26 2026 On Behalf of David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. Business And Commercial Litigation
When the Honeymoon Ends: Top 5 Reasons Franchise Disputes End Up in Litigation
Starting a franchise can feel like stepping into a business opportunity with a proven system already in place. Franchisors provide branding, operational guidance, and ongoing support, while franchisees invest money and effort into building a local business. However, disagreements can arise when expectations differ or business conditions change. Business owners in Missouri and Illinois often […]
May 25 2026 On Behalf of David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. Business And Commercial Litigation
What is a Material Breach Of Contract in Missouri?
Under Missouri contract law, a breach of contract occurs when one party fails to perform their responsibility as stated in the contract or does not complete their duty per the terms of the contract. When one party breaches a contract, the non-breaching party may be compensated for resulting losses. A breach of contract can be […]
Dec 27 2023 On Behalf of David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. Business And Commercial Litigation
Former tech exec files for bankruptcy after $179 million judgment
A former executive with Google who went on to work for Uber has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after he was ordered to pay Google $179 million for sharing trade secrets and other contract violations. An arbitration panel hearing the case had recommended an award of $127 million to Google. However, a court added legal […]
Mar 9 2020 On Behalf of David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. Business And Commercial Litigation
Wells Fargo ends mandatory arbitration in sexual harassment cases
One of the outgrowths of the #MeToo movement has been calls for employers to stop requiring alleged victims of sexual harassment and assault to take action via arbitration rather than in court and then to sign nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevent them from speaking publicly about their experience or their settlement. Among those speaking out […]
Feb 15 2020 On Behalf of David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. Business And Commercial Litigation
What you need to know when opening a pop-up shop
Pop-up shops are becoming increasingly popular. There’s plenty of empty retail space out there that landlords would rather lease out for even a limited time than continue to lose money on it. Pop-up shops are a great way to turn a hobby into a money-making proposition. You can sell those Christmas or Halloween decorations you […]
Jan 21 2020 On Behalf of David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. Business And Commercial Litigation
Why you need insurance if you decide to sell your products online
You’ve turned your hobby of making candles or pet toys for friends, family and the occasional craft fair into a small business. You’re selling your products through an online marketplace like Amazon or Etsy. You’ve probably never considered that anyone might sue you, but you can never be sure. What if the squeaker in one […]
Jan 5 2020 On Behalf of David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. Business And Commercial Litigation
How to avoid employee lawsuits
No one starts a business expecting to eventually be mired in costly litigation. Unfortunately, too many business owners end up fighting — and sometimes losing — court battles than can cost them dearly in money and reputation. Many of these lawsuits, particularly those involving employees, can be avoided by simply knowing the law and making […]
Dec 13 2019 On Behalf of David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. Business And Commercial Litigation
How your company can avoid becoming the victim of ‘greenmail’
A person, group or business entity purchases enough shares of your company’s stock to enable a hostile takeover or at least to have a say in your operations and management. They offer to let your company buy back the shares, but at a much higher price. In exchange, they won’t continue with the attempted takeover […]
Nov 18 2019 On Behalf of David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. Business And Commercial Litigation
Workers’ compensation ‘legacy claims’ in acquisitions
If your company is considering or in the process of acquiring another company, you may not have given much thought to that company’s workers’ compensation program — or to the company’s safety culture in general. This may be more relevant in industries where workplace injuries are common than in those where they aren’t. However, employees […]
Nov 5 2019 On Behalf of David M. Duree & Associates, P.C. Business And Commercial Litigation