Contract Disputes & Breach of Business Agreements

Business Contracts and Legal Disputes

Contracts are the foundation of most business relationships. From vendor agreements and partnership deals to licensing arrangements and employment terms, written contracts outline the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. However, when one side fails to uphold their end of the agreement, contract disputes arise — and they can lead to significant financial and legal consequences.

At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, we understand how stressful and disruptive a breach of contract can be for your business. We help clients resolve these issues efficiently and strategically, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Our experienced attorneys serve clients across Staten Island and New York City, providing both reactive and preventative legal solutions.

What Is a Contract Dispute?

A contract dispute occurs when one or more parties involved in a legally binding agreement disagree about the terms, obligations, or performance of the contract. These disagreements may arise from:

• Failure to deliver goods or services as promised
• Missed deadlines or payment failures
• Disputes over contract interpretation
• Misrepresentation or fraud
• Violation of non-compete, confidentiality, or exclusivity clauses

Contract disputes can damage operations, cash flow, and business relationships. At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, our goal is to minimize the impact of a dispute and secure a fair, efficient resolution.

Types of Business Contracts Commonly Disputed

Partnership Agreements

Disputes may arise when business partners disagree on equity, decision-making, exit strategies, or profit-sharing. We assist in resolving internal conflicts while protecting your stake in the business.

Vendor and Supplier Contracts

When vendors fail to deliver products or services as agreed, or when quality does not meet expectations, businesses may face delays or losses. We pursue enforcement or compensation on your behalf.

Service Agreements

Service providers may overpromise and underdeliver. We help clients deal with unclear performance standards, pricing conflicts, or billing disputes in service-based contracts.

Employment and Contractor Agreements

Non-compete clauses, independent contractor status, and intellectual property issues often lead to disputes. We help ensure that these agreements are both enforceable and fairly applied.

SaaS and Technology Licensing Agreements

In tech and SaaS contracts, common breaches include unauthorized use, license violations, or service level failures. Our firm understands the complexities of software-based contracts and enforces your rights accordingly.

Construction and Real Estate Contracts

Construction contracts involve multiple parties, stages, and deliverables. Disputes over project scope, materials, payment, and completion often require strong legal intervention.

Understanding Breach of Contract

What Constitutes a Breach?

A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to perform their obligations as stated in the agreement. The breach may be:

1. Material – Significantly affects the outcome or purpose of the agreement
2. Minor (Partial) – A smaller deviation that may still result in damages
3. Anticipatory – When a party indicates they will not or cannot perform their obligations in the future
4. Actual – A clear and present failure to perform as agreed

Examples of Business Contract Breaches

1. A vendor fails to deliver inventory on time, resulting in lost sales
2. A business partner withdraws funds without consent, violating the agreement
3. A SaaS provider fails to maintain system uptime as specified in a service agreement
4. A contractor completes work that doesn’t meet specifications or building codes

At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, we thoroughly evaluate the breach to determine your legal options and advise you on the best course of action to protect your business.

Legal Remedies for Contract Breaches

When your business suffers from another party’s failure to perform, the law offers remedies. These vary depending on the type and severity of the breach. Our attorneys help clients pursue the most effective resolution, including:

Compensatory Damages

Designed to make you “whole” again by covering financial losses caused by the breach.

Consequential and Special Damages

Additional losses tied to the breach, such as lost profits or harm to business reputation, that were foreseeable at the time of the contract.

Specific Performance

A court order requiring the breaching party to fulfill their contractual duties, often used when monetary compensation is inadequate.

Injunctive Relief

A legal order to stop a party from taking actions that could cause further harm (e.g., breaching a non-compete agreement).

Contract Termination and Restitution

Cancels the contract and returns both parties to their pre-agreement state.

Liquidated Damages

Predetermined penalties agreed upon in the contract for specific types of breach.

We also explore mediation and arbitration as more efficient alternatives to litigation when appropriate.

How Our Attorneys Handle Contract Disputes

Our firm takes a comprehensive approach to each case. Whether you need to enforce your rights or defend against a claim of breach, we:

1. Review the Contract and Facts
   We examine the contract language, obligations, performance history, and communications to build a clear picture of the dispute.
2. Identify Legal Violations and Damages
   We assess whether a breach has occurred, how serious it is, and what damages may be recoverable.
3. Develop a Legal Strategy
   Based on your goals, we recommend a strategy that may include negotiation, formal demand letters, ADR (mediation/arbitration), or litigation.
4. Pursue Resolution or Litigation
   If negotiations fail, our team is fully prepared to litigate your case in court, representing your interests aggressively and effectively.

Commercial Litigation Services for Breach of Contract

When litigation becomes necessary, our firm is equipped to take your case from start to finish. We represent businesses of all sizes in contract litigation, including:

• Disputes between vendors and service providers
• Breach of partnership or shareholder agreements
• Enforcement of licensing and distribution agreements
• Construction project disputes involving multiple parties
• Lawsuits for non-performance in professional services

Our litigation team combines deep knowledge of business law with courtroom experience, helping clients protect their assets, enforce their contracts, and recover damages.

Preventative Services: Drafting and Reviewing Strong Contracts

Preventing disputes is often easier and less expensive than resolving them. That’s why we help clients draft and review contracts designed to withstand scrutiny and reduce ambiguity.

Services Include:

1. Drafting clear and enforceable agreements with detailed terms, deadlines, and responsibilities
2. Contract audits and compliance reviews for existing business contracts
3. Negotiating favorable terms during partnership, vendor, or licensing negotiations
4. Identifying high-risk clauses and revising them to reduce future liability
5. Creating dispute resolution provisions that protect your interests if things go wrong

Whether you’re launching a new business, entering into a partnership, or scaling your company, our firm ensures that your contracts are built to protect you from legal exposure.

Why Businesses Choose Angiuli & Gentile, LLP

Decades of Experience

Our attorneys have been resolving complex contract disputes in New York for over 30 years. We understand the nuances of both state and federal business law.

Business-Focused Approach

We offer more than legal knowledge — we provide strategic advice that supports your long-term business goals.

Aggressive Advocacy, Practical Solutions

We are prepared to litigate when necessary, but always seek the most efficient and cost-effective solution first.

Personalized, Responsive Service

Every client receives attentive, one-on-one service and clear communication at every stage of the legal process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I do if another business violates our agreement?
You may have grounds to demand performance, seek damages, or cancel the contract. Contact an attorney to review the terms and assess your legal options.

Can a verbal contract be enforced in New York?
Verbal agreements may be legally binding, but they are much harder to prove. Certain types of contracts, such as those for real estate or large goods purchases, must be in writing.

What if I want to keep the business relationship?
We often recommend mediation or negotiated settlement for clients who want to preserve a working relationship while resolving the dispute.

When is litigation the right option?
Litigation may be necessary when the breach is serious, the financial stakes are high, or the other party is unwilling to negotiate in good faith.

How can I prevent future contract disputes?
Work with a business attorney to draft clear contracts, include dispute resolution clauses, and conduct periodic compliance reviews.

Contact Angiuli & Gentile, LLP Today

If your business is facing a contract dispute, breach of agreement, or needs help drafting enforceable contracts, our experienced attorneys are ready to help. We provide strategic legal counsel, proactive risk management, and strong courtroom advocacy when needed.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation. We proudly serve businesses in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and throughout New York City.