COMMERCIAL STRATEGIES

We counsel clients on transactional opportunities, handle commercial disputes and help develop policies integral to our clients’ brands, including counseling on distribution agreements and policies, competition law and protection against gray marketing.

Distribution Agreements

We help structure enforceable distribution policies that support production planning, pricing and channel segmentation strategies and provide advice on competition law and franchise law risks.

Pricing Strategies and Competition Law Support

We provide counsel on pricing policies, including MAP, Suggested Retail, and price restrictive advertising policies, Robinson Patman and state law price discrimination compliance, as well as on participation in trade organizations and collectives engaged in coordination with competitors.

Go computer v. microsoft

Verso lawyers represented developer of award-winning operating system asserting monopolization claims against Microsoft.

Fisherman's Wharf Bay Cruise Corporation v. Blue & Gold Fleet, Inc.

Verso lawyers handled litigation, arbitration and appeal in below cost pricing and monopolization claims against bay cruise provider

United Process Co. et al v. Raychem Corp.

Verso lawyers litigated federal antitrust claims brought by distributors and competitors.

In re Levi Strauss & Co.

Petition to modify consent decree to permit retailing joint venture

Protection Against Gray Marketing

We help clients develop policies to restrict distribution to authorized channels that support brand values and have litigated many cases against gray marketers and dealers who violate or interfere with these policies.

Dealer, Collaborator & Licensee Disputes

We litigate and arbitrate lawsuits with terminated dealers, licensees, or brand collaborators.

Gallo v. Tequila Supremo

Represented tequila brand in litigation with its licensee, involving two full hearings before three-member arbitration panel under JAMS rules.

Levi Strauss & Co. v. Spiece

Replaced local counsel and coordinated trial effort in antitrust and dealer termination case.

Ganaderia v. Levi Strauss & Co.

Represented client in state litigation with terminated licensee and subsequent arbitration hearing under AAA arbitration rules for International arbitrations.

Division Six Sportwear v. Asia Pacific Division Levi Strauss & Co.

Represented client in state and federal litigation with terminated distributor in Asia of distressed merchandise in arbitration hearing in Singapore under SIAC rules.