What is the definition of unfair competition?
Unfair competition is an illegal business practice that causes harm to other businesses or consumers. Under Washington law, unfair competition generally refers to any act that misleads or deceives consumers, including false and misleading advertising, copyright infringement, and false representation of a product or service. Unfair competition can also be any act taken to damage or interfere with another business’s or individual’s ability to do business. This includes stealing trade secrets, poaching customers, and copying a competitor’s look. Unfair competition can occur between two businesses in the same area or even between businesses that serve the same customer base, such as in a franchise system. It can cause significant financial damage to a business’s reputation and profits, as the effects of such unlawful behavior can be far-reaching and difficult to undo. Businesses have the right to take legal action against any business or individual involved in unfair competition, by filing a lawsuit in court. The successful party may be able to get an injunction to stop further unfair competition, as well as monetary damages, including costs to correct any false and misleading advertising. Unfair competition is a serious problem in Washington and the rest of the United States, as such practices can have a negative impact on businesses and consumers alike. Business owners should always be aware of the risks and work to protect their business from unfair competition.
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