Experienced Minneapolis Business Litigation Attorneys Helping Minnesotans’ Businesses

For decades, businesses throughout the country have relied on Perry & Perry PLLP for dynamic representation and innovative solutions to their legal challenges. We understand how devastating litigation can be for the future of a small or mid-sized company, which is why we strive to protect your company’s rights, contracts and identity when they are at risk.

Whether you have been served with a formal lawsuit or another individual or business has broken a contractual agreement with you, we are prepared to provide a stalwart defense and advocate for the most favorable outcome in your situation.

We are Shawn Perry and Shane Perry, each with 30-plus years of experience. As veteran trial lawyers, we are regularly called upon in high-stakes “bet the company” disputes where the outcome will be decided by a judge, jury or arbitrator. But we are also skilled in triage, problem-solving and alternative dispute resolution when litigation would be too expensive or risky.

Respected Attorneys Managing Business Tort And Contract Cases

Legal minutiae can be almost as damaging for business as legal disputes themselves. That’s why at Perry & Perry PLLP, we’re committed to providing effective and efficient advocacy that aims to address the source of your concerns on day one. Our attorneys can help you file a lawsuit, fight for you against legal action and protect the trade secrets that matter most to your company. We are well-versed in issues such as:

• Breach of contract – When another party breaks a written or oral agreement, you need to know your rights and obligations under Minnesota law. We review the contract, assess the claims and identify the losses tied to the dispute. We also help you understand each step in the process so you can make informed decisions. Our experience with these cases allows us to handle complex terms, performance issues and damage calculations with confidence. We handled a long contract dispute for a telecom agent and reached a confidential settlement shortly before trial after years of discovery and motion practice.
• Partnership and shareholder conflicts – Internal disputes can grow fast when business owners disagree on control, valuation or performance. These conflicts can affect daily operations, financial stability and long-term planning. We represent business partners and minority shareholders in buyouts, dissolution actions and other remedies. Our goal is to protect the entity and safeguard your personal interests. We work through financial records, operating agreements and competing claims to find a clear path forward. We represented minority shareholders in a valuation dispute and secured a judgment of more than $14 million after trial.
• Commercial disputes – Corporate conflicts can come from partnership problems, intellectual property disagreements, service failures or shareholder concerns. These issues can disrupt operations and threaten important contracts. We analyze the facts early and identify the source of the conflict. We also look for ways to resolve the matter before it reaches court if that protects your interests. Our team works through technical records, business agreements and financial data to present clear arguments. We secured an arbitration award of more than $350,000 in a software installation dispute and defeated counterclaims that exceeded $2 million.
• Interference with your company’s interests – Fraud, defamation, business torts and blocked performance can harm your company’s operations and reputation. These actions can limit your ability to meet obligations or complete key projects. We move fast to address the conduct and gather records that show how it affected your business. We build direct arguments when another party interferes with your contracts or accuses you of misconduct. We enforced a $1.9 million judgment after tracing assets that a business partner moved to avoid payment.
• Unfair business competition – Your success depends on fair competition. Fraudulent products, false claims and illegal business practices can damage your position in the market. We help you protect your brand and your products from conduct that crosses legal lines. We also take steps to stop the activity and prevent further harm. Our team reviews sales records, product data and marketing materials to understand the impact of the unfair acts. We obtained a federal default judgment against a seller who used counterfeit goods to target our client’s market.
• Intellectual property rights – Your trademarks, copyrights and technology form the core of your business identity. These assets set your products and services apart from others in the market. We help you protect them and enforce your rights when another party uses your property without permission. We also defend you when someone claims that your company infringed on their intellectual property. Our team works across jurisdictions and handles the motions and records needed to protect these rights. We defended a client in a patent dispute, filed early motions to reduce risk and negotiated a settlement that protected the client’s technology.
• Employee covenants – Trade secrets, client lists and confidential business data support your competitive position. When former employees take this information or compete in violation of an agreement, your company can face immediate harm. We enforce or defend noncompete, nonsolicitation and nondisclosure agreements. We also work through the contract terms and electronic records to understand the full scope of the conduct. Our goal is to protect your brand and limit further damage. We secured a judgment of more than $400,000 against an employee who took company funds and accessed protected business data.

Our decades of legal practice have made us valuable resources in the domain of business litigation. Our record of success includes several multimillion-dollar cases, and we have brought about many other winning judgments and favorable settlements for our clients. While we are based in Minnesota, we have tried cases nationwide, including pro hac vice representation in multidistrict litigation.

Guide To Minnesota Business Litigation Cases

Minnesota business litigation follows a clear path from early dispute review to post-case actions that protect long-term business interests. Companies face many choices at each stage and benefit from early guidance from experienced attorneys who understand how these cases move through state and federal courts. Our team helps clients prepare for each step so they stay organized and informed throughout the process.

Minnesota business litigation cases often move through the following stages:

Prelitigation Steps

Businesses gain early control when they take time to study the dispute and gather key facts. This stage helps companies set goals, understand risk and choose how to respond. Common tasks include:

• Reviewing contracts and messages to find the source of the dispute
• Studying billing data and financial records
• Sending or responding to demand letters
• Preserving documents and naming key witnesses
• Checking insurance coverage and policy limits

These tasks help shape the early strategy. Companies also assess whether the dispute should be settled or move into formal business litigation. When your company begins this stage, our lawyers guide you through each task so you enter the next phase with a clear plan and a grounded view of possible next steps.

Key Stages Inside A Business Litigation Case

A lawsuit begins when a party files a complaint that outlines the claims and the relief sought. The other party files an answer that may raise defenses or related claims. Once the initial filings end, the case moves into discovery. Both sides exchange documents, review financial records and take sworn testimony. This stage often becomes the longest phase of business litigation because each side builds its arguments from the information gathered.

After discovery closes, the parties file motions to narrow issues or challenge specific claims. Many Minnesota courts also require mediation to explore a settlement. If the case does not settle, the parties prepare for trial. They organize exhibits, outline witness testimony and refine legal theories. This structure applies to many disputes, including contract matters, shareholder conflicts and class action cases that involve a large number of records. During these stages, our attorneys maintain steady communication so you understand what each step requires.

Post-Litigation Steps

After a judge or jury issues a decision, companies need to respond quickly. Some businesses begin collection actions to enforce a judgment. Others file post-trial motions to challenge certain findings.

A party may also begin an appeal if it believes a legal error affected the result. When a case settles, companies must follow the settlement terms, update internal processes and close out the matter in a way that reduces future risk. Our team supports you through each post-case stage so your company protects its financial and operational goals.

Minnesota business litigation involves many steps that demand careful planning and strong coordination. Each stage brings its own deadlines, document needs and strategic choices, which can overwhelm companies that face a dispute for the first time.

With experienced attorneys guiding each phase, companies gain the structure they need to understand the process, manage deadlines and protect their interests with confidence. This support also helps you respond to new developments, stay organized and move through the case with a clear sense of direction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Litigation

At Perry & Perry PLLP, we understand that business litigation can feel unpredictable and overwhelming. Below are answers to some of the most common questions our clients ask when facing a business dispute or lawsuit.

What is the difference between litigation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in a business context?

Litigation refers to the formal legal process of resolving disputes through the court system. It often involves discovery, motions, hearings, and a trial before a judge or jury. While litigation can be necessary for high-stakes or complex matters, it can also be expensive and time-consuming.

In contrast, ADR offers a way to resolve conflicts outside of court, using methods like arbitration or mediation. These alternatives are typically faster and more cost-effective, and they allow parties more control over the outcome. Our firm regularly evaluates whether ADR may be appropriate in your case to protect your time, money and reputation.

How does business insurance coverage apply to litigation costs and settlements?

Many business insurance policies include coverage for certain types of litigation, such as claims involving property damage, employment practices, professional liability or general commercial liability. Depending on your policy, this may include legal defense costs, court fees, settlements or judgments.

It is important to review the terms of your insurance plan and notify your carrier promptly after receiving notice of a claim. We can help you assess whether your coverage applies and assist with coordinating your legal defense under your policy.

What are the potential costs associated with business litigation?

Business litigation can involve significant financial exposure. Legal fees, court costs, expert witness fees, document production and travel expenses can quickly add up. The total cost depends on the complexity of the case, the length of litigation and whether it proceeds to trial. At Perry & Perry PLLP, we understand the financial pressure litigation can place on your business. We offer flexible fee structures, including hourly, flat-fee or hybrid contingency arrangements, and will work with you to manage costs while still pursuing a favorable outcome.

Contact Our Minnesota Office For A Free Consultation

We know that litigation can quickly burn through the equity and goodwill you have worked so hard to build. Ask us about alternative fee arrangements, such as a hybrid of hourly and contingency fee representation, to control costs or mitigate your risks.

Call Perry & Perry PLLP in Minneapolis at 952-444-9903 to schedule a free consultation or contact us online with your concerns.