What is an unfair competition trial like?
An unfair competition trial is a civil lawsuit in which one or more parties are accused of breaking the law by engaging in unfair or deceptive practices in their business dealings. These trials generally involve a plaintiff - an individual who has been harmed by the defendant(s)’s actions - and a defendant - the individual or business accused of engaging in unfair or deceptive practices. In Georgia, an unfair competition trial is similar to any other civil trial. The steps of the trial process typically involve the filing of a complaint by the plaintiff, the defendant’s response, document production, the discovery process, and ultimately the trial. During the trial, the judge will hear evidence from both sides and decide whether the defendant is liable for unfair or deceptive practices. The plaintiff must prove certain elements in order to win their case, such as the defendant’s actions were intentional, were done with fraudulent intent, and resulted in damages to the plaintiff. Witnesses may be called and examined during the trial, as well as documents, exhibits, or other evidence. Finally, the judge will rule on the case and decide whether the plaintiff has proved their claim. If the plaintiff wins the trial, they may be awarded damages that can help make them whole again. Damages can include lost profits, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other types of damages.
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