In intellectual property disputes, the strength of a section 75-1.1 claim or an unfair competition claim often rises or falls with a trademark infringement claim. For instance, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 80-12 provides that a violation of state trademark law constitutes a per se violation of section 75-1.1. Additionally, while a […]
Seven years ago, in Bumpers v. Community Bank of Northern Virginia, the Supreme Court of North Carolina held that a plaintiff who sues under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-1.1 based on a misrepresentation must show actual and reasonable reliance on the misrepresentation. A recent decision by the North Carolina Court of […]
Departing-employee cases often involve claims for trade-secret misappropriation, breach of confidentiality and noncompetition agreements, and tortious interference with contractual or business relationships. Because these claims may also be per se violations of section 75-1.1, departing-employee cases between competitors almost always involve section 75-1.1 claims, as well. The North Carolina Business […]
One week from today, the North Carolina Servicemembers Civil Relief Act will go into effect. When it does, North Carolina will add a new per se theory of section 75-1.1 liability. The new law, which will be codified in Chapter 127B of the General Statutes (“Military Affairs”), serves two purposes. […]