Litigation

Business and Commercial Litigation

Our Business and Commercial Litigation team specializes in resolving and defending business disputes with innovative strategies. With a wealth of experience across multiple jurisdictions, we’ve successfully represented clients in state, federal and appellate courts, as well as before various governmental tribunals. We work with organizations of all sizes, from international corporations to small businesses, always aiming to achieve favorable outcomes while minimizing costs and disruptions through early case evaluation. 

Our approach prioritizes understanding your business needs and objectives, often incorporating alternative dispute resolution methods to efficiently manage both domestic and international cases.

Our Experience

  • Represented a publicly traded micro-controller manufacturer in a $40 million breach of warranty claim
  • Represented a sole proprietor to verdict in a case involving antitrust, monopoly and restraint of trade
  • Obtained multi-million dollar jury verdict for gas marketing company in breach of contract case arising from the sale of natural gas under the Uniform Commercial Code
  • Represented a technology company in obtaining an injunction against its largest competitor in the handheld computer industry for violation of the Lanham Act for false and misleading statements concerning the performance of its wireless computer products
  • Represented a housing authority in a $10 million bidding contract dispute
  • Represented Midwest-based retail store chain in UCC breach of warranty claim against a manufacturer in China who supplied defective and non-conforming goods
  • Defended a $600 million toxic tort class action involving medical monitoring and personal injury claims
  • Prosecuted breach of warranty and breach of contract counterclaim under the Uniform Commercial Code for retail company arising from delivery of non-conforming and defective goods
  • Obtained a multimillion dollar arbitration award involving a breach of contract claim and copyright infringement related to software development and theft of trade secrets
  • Acted as special counsel to the Ohio Attorney General defending a claim of abuse of discretion by the state on the award of an operating agreement for a rail line
  • Obtained a jury verdict on behalf of a natural gas marketing company in a commercial dispute with an out-of-state supplier that terminated the client's natural gas supply
  • Represented a Midwest-based manufacturing company and several executive officers in a national grand jury investigation of price fixing
  • Defended a shipping company involving preference avoidance claims
  • Defended nine companies that were sued in federal court on a shareholder derivative dispute
  • Prevailed in the New Jersey Supreme Court on behalf of a tire manufacturer on a high profile issue involving the protection of trade secrets and confidential information produced during the litigation discovery process
  • Defended securities class action involving a regional utilities retirement-invest program with allegations of fraud and misrepresentation
  • Represented the nursing home and hotel industry in a 10(b)(5) securities fraud and common law fraud litigation
  • Represented a distributor of kitchen products in a jury trial pertaining to antitrust (monopoly and restraint of trade) claims
  • Represented several senior employees of a large financial institution being investigated for both criminal and civil violations of law in connection with the loss of tens of millions of dollars by Cuyahoga County, Ohio
  • Represented a Fortune 500 company in a dispute with a Canadian company over the sale of the client's Dutch subsidiary and ownership of intellectual property rights related to acrylic latex technology
  • Defended the constitutionality of Ohio's E-Check program
  • Represented auto manufacturers and RV component suppliers with respect to lemon law, Consumer Sales practices Act, and breach of warranty claims
  • Obtained a federal court injunction to prevent a township from depriving a developer of commercial zoning
  • Defended a tire company against a subpoena from a competitor relating to competitive and confidential information
  • Prosecuted a constitutional challenge to an Army Corps of Engineers interpretation to a budget bill rider that denied our client equal protection and due process
  • Prosecuted a claim on account for a large petroleum company and a third party claim alleging fuel contamination of gasoline provided by another large petroleum company
  • Managed litigation involving fraud and negligence in loan activity relating to a golf course resort project in the Midwest
  • Represented a large hotel chain in a case involving a guest falling through a walkway which encircled the hotel's grand ballroom
  • Represented a travel services company in matters including the filing of an underground storage tank insurance claim and trying indemnity arbitration
  • Represented a rubber chemicals manufacturer in a four-week jury trial in state court against trade secret and non-compete claims by a competitor
  • Defended a television manufacturer in both property damage and injury suits
  • Represented a national hotel chain in litigation involving the construction of a large hotel and a dispute with the general contractor
  • Defended a motorcycle manufacturer against alleged deceptive trade practices and breach of warranty regarding a sprocket on a motorcycle
  • Represented a national newspaper chain, digital company, and subsidiaries in numerous cases involving libel, invasion of privacy, breach of contract, public records and open meetings issues, with numerous cases tried to jury verdict
  • Obtained emergency relief for a media client on Election Day 2004 in the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals against the Ohio Secretary of State, preventing enforcement of a directive banning the media from polling places
  • Obtained mandamus relief for a media client in the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals preventing federal district judge from enforcing a preliminary injunction to remove material from the Internet due to injunction constituting a prior restraint

What We Do

  • Facilitate settlement agreements through Alternative Dispute Resolution 
  • Handle antitrust and trade regulation matters
  • Represent clients in bankruptcy/creditors' rights disputes
  • Conduct corporate investigations and defend against business crimes
  • Defend against class actions 
  • Litigate commercial disputes
  • Resolve construction disputes
  • Address employment-related disputes
  • Manage environmental litigation
  • Combat fraud through litigation
  • Defend insurance claims and handle coverage disputes
  • Navigate internet and e-business legal matters
  • Litigate media and communications law disputes
  • Handle probate, trust and guardianship issues
  • Defend against product liability and toxic tort claims
  • Resolve real estate and land use issues
  • Address regulatory controversies
  • Lead securities litigation efforts
  • Handle tax disputes
  • Navigate trade regulation issues
  • Manage Uniform Commercial Code disputes
  • Defend restrictive covenants
  • Prosecute trade secret thefts, employee raiding claims, breaches of fiduciary duty and duty of loyalty, and other unfair competition matters
  • File injunctions to initiate temporary restraining orders that block disclosure of confidential information

Related Media & Events

  1. Alerts
    Ohio Appellate Court Finds Virtual Contact Is Not Enough for Personal Jurisdiction - Jul 7, 2022
    Roetzel & Andress: 2020 Appellate Year in Review - Jan 28, 2021
    The New Year Brings a More Relaxed, Pro-Business Summary-Judgment Standard - Jan 4, 2021
    The Supreme Court of Ohio Disqualifies a Trial Court Judge for Failure to Implement COVID-19 Safety Measures - Dec 15, 2020
    Litigation Impacts that Ohio HB 606 Will Have on Helping Ohio Businesses Defend against COVID-Related Transmission - Oct 26, 2020
    Supreme Court of Ohio Tolls Litigation Deadlines and Timelines - Mar 29, 2020
    Coronavirus Business Interruption - Mar 13, 2020
    Roetzel Response to COVID-19 - NULL
    Roetzel & Andress: 2019 Appellate Year in Review - Jan 27, 2020
    Ohio Supreme Court Restricts Spoliation Claims - May 9, 2018
    Roetzel Secures Quick Win for Green Tech Firm - Aug 21, 2017
    Court Rules Against Dish Network in Multi-State Lawsuit - Jun 16, 2017
    Delaware Court of Chancery Focuses on Fiduciary Duty of Directors Appointed by Preferred Stockholders - May 18, 2017
    R.I.P. to Brick-and-Mortar Stores in India - May 3, 2017
    Disclosure Only Settlements - the Effect of Choice of Law - Mar 24, 2017
    Alex Acosta Nominated for Secretary of Labor Position After Withdrawal of Andrew Puzder From Consideration - Feb 17, 2017
    New Ohio Decision Clarifies Role of Judge and Jury in Eminent Domain Cases - Feb 2, 2017
    New Federal Law Provides Additional Protection for Trade Secrets - Jan 16, 2017
    Ohio Legislature Concludes 131st General Assembly in Marathon Session Lasting Until 3:30 AM Last Friday - Dec 12, 2016
    How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Hard Lessons from the Federal Eleventh Circuit - Dec 8, 2016
    Florida Medical Marijuana Law Will Take Effect January 2017 - Nov 22, 2016
    Dismissal with Prejudice Too Severe a Sanction for Failure to File Mediation Certification of Authority - Sep 27, 2016
    Pipeline Companies Win Key Battles in War for Eminent Domain Rights - Sep 19, 2016
    With Business Contracts, Lost Profits (Not Lost Revenues) Are the Proper Measure of Damages - Aug 4, 2016
    Ohio Medical Marijuana Law to Take Effect in September - Jul 12, 2016
    "60 Days" Means 60 Days - Appellate Court Reiterates Construction Lien Law Will Be Strictly Construed - Apr 28, 2016
    Court Reaffirms Damages Analysis in Construction Defect Cases - Feb 22, 2016
    U.S. Supreme Court Says State Professional Boards may be Subject to Federal Antitrust Laws - Feb 26, 2015
    The Regulatory Amendments to the Cuba Sanctions - What Does it Mean for American Business? - Feb 11, 2015
    Landmark Decision Clarifies Illinois Mortgage Foreclosure Law - Oct 22, 2013
    The New Lee County Abandoned Property Registration Program Ordinance - How it Affects Lenders - Oct 15, 2013
    Pharmaceutical Companies in the Crosshairs: Department of Justice Targets Drug Manufacturers and Medical Device Makers for Massive Fines and Prosecution - Jan 31, 2013
    Government Crackdown on Skilled Nursing Facilities: The Coming Storm - Jan 17, 2013
    Consumer Product Safety Commission: What to Watch for in 2013 - Jan 10, 2013
    FDA Issues Proposed Rules Under the Food Safety Modernization Act Regarding Preventive Control and Produce - Jan 8, 2013
  2. Articles
    Overview on the Restrictive Covenants that Are More Important for Protecting Your Business Than Contentious Non-Competes - Dec 10, 2021 - Columbus Bar Association Legal Connections, published in print edition of Columbus Business First
    Three Years into the Defend Trade Secrets Act, How Do Its Remedies Differ in Practice from the Uniform Act's Remedies? - Winter 2020 - American Bar Association (ABA) Business Torts & Unfair Competition
    Tips on Filing for Preliminary Injunction in Trade Secret Cases—Considerations when Seeking Emergency Injunctions - Sep 30, 2019 - American Bar Association (ABA) Business Torts & Unfair Competition Practice Points
    Ohio Lawyers, you are about to realize how much easier your life got on July 1, 2019 - Aug 7, 2019
    Have our Contracts Become too One-Sided? - May 2018 - Modern Contractor Solutions
    Do I Need An Expert Witness? How Do I Find One - February 2018 - Modern Contractor Solutions
    Lawyer. Volunteer. Kopp: Getting to know OSBA President Ron Kopp and his initiatives during his 2016-­17 term - Jul 19, 2016 - Nina Corbut, The Ohio State Bar Association
    What consideration must Illinois employers give to ensure their restrictive covenants are enforced? - Jul 16, 2016
    Highlights of the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 - Jul 6, 2016
    Is Arbitration All It's Cracked Up To Be? - May 2016 - Modern Contractor Solutions
    Eight Years and Acres Later: Single Asset Real Estate Cases After BAPCPA - 2013 - 39th Annual SBLI Seminar, Southeastern Bankruptcy Law Institute
    Document Production and Organization chapter - 2013 Edition - Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (IICLE)
    Avoid Single Member LLCs for Asset Protection - 2011
    Dispute Resolution Considerations When Drafting Cross-Border Contracts - Fall/Winter 2010 - USLAW Newsletter
    Roetzel & Andress: Best Law Firm for Business Litigation work 2010 - Sep 27, 2010 - Corporate INTL
    Indemnity in Construction Agreements: Preserving the Site Owner's Rights - 2006 - Tort Law Journal of Ohio
    Position of Wired Glass in the 2004 IBC Supplement - Nov 12, 2004 - Glass Magazine, December 2004
  3. Podcasts
    Roetzel HealthLaw HotSpot: Basics of a Healthcare Contract: When Do You Actually Have One and What Happens if It's Breached? - Feb 3, 2022
    Roetzel HealthLaw HotSpot: Illinois Freedom to Work Act: Updating Your Contracts to Assure Non-Competes Are Enforceable in 2022 - Dec 9, 2021
    Roetzel HealthLaw HotSpot: The Nuts and Bolts of Noncompete Agreements Part 2: Executive Order Update - Aug 5, 2021
    Roetzel HealthLaw HotSpot: The Nuts and Bolts of Noncompete Agreements Part 1 - Jul 22, 2021
    ABA's Sound Advice Podcast: Introduction on Converting Arbitration Awards into Judgments and Competing Actions to Vacate Awards - Apr 6, 2020
  4. Firm News
    Roetzel & Andress Announces Emily Anglewicz as Shareholder-in-Charge of Associates - Feb 26, 2024
    Roetzel Attorney Certified as Appellate Law Specialist by Ohio State Bar Association - Feb 2, 2024
    Two Roetzel Attorneys Named 2024 Illinois Rising Stars - Jan 30, 2024
    Roetzel & Andress Announces Three Newly Elected Shareholders - Jan 2, 2024
    Roetzel Grows in Chicago with Additions of Reniva & Lee - Dec 8, 2023
    Roetzel & Andress Welcomes Three Associates to the Firm - Nov 15, 2023
    Roetzel Earns National and Regional Rankings in 2024 Best Law Firms® - Nov 2, 2023
    Roetzel Adds Business Litigation Associate in Cleveland - Sep 6, 2023
    15 Roetzel Attorneys Named Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch - Aug 17, 2023
    Roetzel & Andress Earns Recognition in 2024 Best Lawyers - Aug 17, 2023
    Attorneys Islam & Makar Join Roetzel’s Naples Office - Jun 27, 2023
    Roetzel Moves Chicago Office; Provides Enhanced Location and Client Service Offerings - Jun 12, 2023
    Karman Bains Joins Roetzel’s Business Litigation Group in Chicago - Mar 13, 2023
    Roetzel’s Firmwide Growth Continues in Chicago Office - Feb 13, 2023
    Andrew Clott Named a 2023 “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine - Jan 24, 2023
    Roetzel & Andress Names Three New Shareholders - Jan 4, 2023
    Roetzel Continues Strategic Growth with Addition of Over 30 Attorneys in 12 Months - Jan 3, 2023
    22 Roetzel Attorneys Named 2023 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars - Dec 29, 2022
    Lawyers of Color Recognizes Lauryn Robinson on its 2022 Hot List - December 2022
    Nine Associates Join Roetzel & Andress - Nov 17, 2022
    Roetzel & Andress Named to 2023 “Best Law Firms” List - Nov 3, 2022
    20 Roetzel Attorneys Recognized as “Top Lawyer” by Naples Illustrated - Sep 1, 2022
    Roetzel & Andress Welcomes Attorney Carolann Swanson in Fort Myers - Aug 23, 2022
    Roetzel Attorneys Recognized in 2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® - Aug 18, 2022
    Roetzel Attorneys Named 2022 Florida Super Lawyers and 2022 Rising Stars - Jun 24, 2022
    Chambers USA® 2022 Recognizes Roetzel & Andress for 19th Consecutive Year - Jun 2, 2022
    Joseph Ramos Joins Roetzel’s Business Litigation Group in Chicago - Mar 25, 2022
    Emily Anglewicz Sworn in as Magistrate for Mayor’s Court of Cuyahoga Falls - Jan 20, 2022
    Twenty-Seven Roetzel Attorneys Selected to 2022 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List - Dec 30, 2021
    Roetzel Adds Five Associates to the Firm - Nov 9, 2021
    Roetzel & Andress Named to 2022 “Best Law Firms” List - Nov 4, 2021
    16 Roetzel Attorneys Recognized as “Top Lawyer” by Naples Illustrated - Sep 1, 2021
    74 Roetzel Attorneys Named 2022 Best Lawyers in America®; 18 Recognized as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch - Aug 19, 2021
    Three Roetzel Attorneys Recognized as Florida Legal Elite - Jun 28, 2021
    Nine Roetzel & Andress Attorneys Recognized in 2021 Florida Super Lawyers - Jun 24, 2021
    Chambers USA® 2021 Recognizes Roetzel & Andress for 18th Consecutive Year - May 20, 2021
    Roetzel & Andress Continues Growth; Adds Two Associates - Feb 15, 2021
    Two Roetzel Attorneys Named to 2021 Illinois Rising Star List - Jan 29, 2021
    Eight Roetzel Attorneys Promoted to Shareholder in 2021 - Jan 1, 2021
    Dettwiller & McLeod Join Roetzel & Andress as Associates - Dec 14, 2020
    Thirty Roetzel Attorneys Selected to 2021 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List - Dec 8, 2020
    Roetzel & Andress Ranked Among “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® - Nov 5, 2020
    Seven Roetzel Attorneys Named Among Naples Illustrated 2020 Top Lawyers - Sep 1, 2020
    Seventy Roetzel Attorneys Named to 2021 The Best Lawyers in America© List; Ten Named “Lawyer of the Year” - Aug 20, 2020
    Eleven Roetzel & Andress Attorneys Selected to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch - Aug 20, 2020
    Eleven Roetzel Attorneys Named 2020 Florida Super Lawyers or Rising Stars - Jun 4, 2020
    Roetzel & Andress Announces New Office Location; Adds Three Shareholders - May 13, 2020
    Roetzel Recognized in 2020 Edition of Chambers USA® for 17th Consecutive Year - Apr 23, 2020
    Roetzel & Andress Names Four New Shareholders - Jan 1, 2020
    Roetzel & Andress Ranked Among Nation’s 2020 “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News — Best Lawyers® - Nov 1, 2019
    Eleven Roetzel Attorneys Named Among Naples Illustrated 2019 Top Lawyers - Sep 25, 2019
    Andrew Clott Joins Roetzel & Andress as Associate in Chicago - Jul 8, 2019
    Roetzel's Christopher Donovan & Paul Giordano Recognized as Florida Legal Elite - Jul 2, 2019
    Roetzel Announces Attorneys Named Among 2019 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars - Jun 6, 2019
    Roetzel Receives Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2019 - May 2, 2019
    Roetzel Adds Seven Attorneys in Ohio and Florida - Apr 11, 2019
    Roetzel & Andress Names Michael Scotti III to Lead National Business Litigation Practice Group - Jan 18, 2019
    Giordano and Lupo Join Roetzel & Andress Board of Directors - Dec 7, 2018
    Roetzel & Andress Ranked in 2019 Edition of "Best Law Firms" List - Nov 1, 2018
    Jamie Schwinghamer interviewed by Gulfshore Life Magazine - Aug 3, 2018
    Donovan and Schwinghamer Sworn in as Directors of the Collier County Bar Association - Jun 15, 2018
    Roetzel Shareholders Recognized with Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2018 - May 4, 2018
    Attorney Jamie B. Schwinghamer Joins Roetzel & Andress LPA - Apr 18, 2018
    Roetzel Welcomes Adam N. Hirsch to Chicago Office - Apr 11, 2018
    Roetzel Welcomes E. Mark Young as Partner in Cleveland Office - Feb 26, 2018
    Roetzel Promotes Resetar and Young to Shareholder - Feb 16, 2018
    Roetzel Attorneys Named Among Top Lawyers in Ohio by Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine - Dec 6, 2017
    Roetzel & Andress Ranked in 2018 "Best Law Firms" List - Nov 2, 2017
    Roetzel & Andress Ranked in 2017 "Best Law Firms" - Nov 1, 2016
    Ohio State Bar Association Program Helps Cultivate Leaders in Legal Profession - Jun 17, 2016
    Roetzel Receives Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2016 - May 27, 2016
    Roetzel Partner Paul A. Giordano Assumes Chairmanship of Coastal Conservation Association Florida - Dec 16, 2015
    Roetzel Attorneys Named Among Top Lawyers in Ohio by Ohio Super Lawyers - Dec 3, 2015
    Roetzel & Andress Ranked in 2016 "Best Law Firms" - Nov 2, 2015
    Litigator Michael Scotti, III Joins Roetzel & Andress LPA - Aug 18, 2015
    Kopp Spotlighted in Crain's Cleveland Business Interview - Jul 22, 2015
    Roetzel Partner Ronald S. Kopp Takes on Role of President-Elect of Ohio State Bar Association - Jul 1, 2015
    Marc Huling Named President of Collier County Bar Foundation and President Elect of the Collier County Bar Association - Jun 29, 2015
    Roetzel Receives Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2015 - May 26, 2015
    Denise Hasbrook Elected to Chair the Board of Trustees for Mercy Health - Toledo - Apr 21, 2015
    Roetzel Partner James D. Fox Receives High Ratings from Martindale-Hubbell® - Mar 26, 2015
    Litigator Marc H. Kallish Joins Roetzel & Andress LPA - Mar 25, 2015
    Roetzel's Paul A. Giordano Becomes President of Southwest Florida Bankruptcy Professional Association - Nov 11, 2014
    Roetzel & Andress Ranked in 2015 "Best Law Firms" - Nov 3, 2014
    Three Roetzel Attorneys Named Ohio "Lawyers of the Year" by Best Lawyers® - Aug 18, 2014
    Roetzel Partner Paul A. Giordano Takes Over as President of Coastal Conservation Association Florida - Jan 20, 2014
    Roetzel Ranked Among Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report - Nov 5, 2013
    Roetzel's Bradley A. Wright Named Chair of USLAW Board of Directors - Oct 4, 2013
    Roetzel Receives Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2013 - Jun 3, 2013