What are the legally recognized types of unfair competition?

In Washington, there are three legally recognized types of unfair competition. The first type is known as deceptive advertising. This is when businesses use false or misleading information to gain an advantage over competitors. This includes exaggerating the benefits or features of a product, using deceptive testimonials or endorsements, or making false claims about a competitor’s product. The second type is known as trademark infringement. This is when a business uses another business’s name, logo, slogan, or other identifier without permission. This can be used to create confusion between the two companies and mislead consumers into buying the infringing company’s products. The third type of unfair competition is known as tortious interference. This is when a business interferes with another business’s contractual relationships or opportunities. This can include inducing customers to break their contracts with other businesses or tactics designed to prevent businesses from conducting business with another company. All three of these types of unfair competition are illegal under Washington law and can result in serious financial penalties for those found guilty. Consumers should be aware of these practices and contact a lawyer if they feel they have been a victim of any of these types of unfair competition.

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