Generally, unfair competition consists of two elements: First, there is some sort of economic injury to a business, such as loss of sales or consumer goodwill. Second, this economic injury is the result of deceptive or otherwise wrongful business practice.
Two common examples of unfair competition are trademark infringement and misappropriation. The right to publicity is often invoked in misappropriation issues. Other practices that fall into the area of unfair competition include: False advertising.
Types of Unfair Trade Practices ①Refusal to Deal. ② Discriminatory Treatment. ③ Exclusion of a Competitor. ④ Unfair Solicitation of Customers. ⑤ Coercion of Transaction. ⑥ Abuse of Superior Bargaining Position. ⑦ Imposing Binding Conditional Trade. ⑧ Obstruction of Business Activities.
In Florida, unfair competition refers to any business conduct contrary to the ethical practice of commercial matters. It can include interference with business relations, misappropriation of trade secrets, and trademark infringement. In addition, Florida law allows for causes of action arising from unfair competition.
Claim for damages under FDUTPA has three elements: (1) a deceptive act or unfair practice; (2) causation; and (3) actual damages. FDUTPA allows for aggrieved persons to recover damages, declaratory relief, or an injunction if they were harmed by deceptive or unfair acts.
Definition. Unfair competition is conduct by a market participant which gains or seeks to gain an advantage over its rivals through misleading, deceptive, dishonest, fraudulent, coercive or unconscionable conduct in trade or commerce.
In Florida, unfair competition claims are primarily governed by state law, including common law and the Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA). However, if the claim involves the misappropriation of intellectual property, like trademark or copyright, then federal law may apply.
WHERE TO FILE THE COMPLAINT: The original complaint form (original signature and notarization) must be mailed or delivered to the Commission of Ethics at the address on the complaint form. Photocopies or emailed forms cannot be accepted. The Commission address is: P. O. Box 15709, Tallahassee, Florida 32317-5709.
Report by Phone Ensure the Business is in the City of Miami. We can only inspect properties in our jurisdiction. Record the Exact Address of the Business. We need the complete address and unit / suite number if applicable. Report the Problem. Call 311 or the Code Compliance hotline (305) 416-2087 to report the issue.
To file a formal consumer complaint, complete the below affidavit and save a copy of your completed affidavit for your records. You can print, sign, date and submit the affidavit by email (send as a pdf attachment to consumer@miamidade), fax to 786-469-2303 or mail to the address at the top of the affidavit.