What legal remedies can I pursue if a company fails to pay royalties on time?

If a company fails to pay its royalties on time in California, the legal remedies available depend on the type of agreement you have with them. If your contract states that the company must pay royalties on a certain date or within a certain period of time, then you may have a breach of contract claim. This would entitle you to monetary damages and possibly other remedies, such as an injunction ordering the company to pay the royalties. If your agreement does not specify a timeframe for payment or if you do not have a written agreement, then you may have a right to pursue a “quantum meruit” claim. This means you can receive a reasonable compensation for the royalty payments that you are owed. To determine whether this remedy is available to you, you would need to demonstrate that the company received a benefit from its use of your resources. Another option you may have available to you is to sue for damages for wrongfully withholding payment. In these cases, you would need to prove that the company intentionally delayed or withheld payment, resulting in you suffering damages due to financial losses. If you win your case, the court could order them to pay your royalties as well as additional compensation for the financial losses. Finally, in some cases, a company’s failure to pay royalties on time may be considered a breach of fiduciary duty. In these cases, you may be able to recover damages if the company owed you a duty of trust and care, but failed to fulfill their obligations. No matter which legal remedy you decide to pursue, it is important to consult an experienced oil and gas lawyer to assess your particular situation. An attorney can advise you on the best course of action and help you pursue the appropriate legal remedies against the company.

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What legal remedies can I pursue if a company fails to pay royalties on time?

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