Common legal troubles for global businesses (and how to prevent them)

No matter how big your business is, no one likes to get sued. The financial costs of handling business lawsuits can be significant, and if things don’t go your way, the settlements can be substantial.

When you’re building a cross-border team, your exposure to risk can increase, especially if you misclassify contractors. Global employment lawsuits can be varied in cause, ranging from breach of contract to intellectual property disputes. It’s enough to keep legal, finance, and HR all awake at night.

Fortunately, the risks can be mitigated and managed.

Understanding relevant laws and statutes goes a long way toward protecting your company. But, if you’re employing a global workforce, there is great variability from country to country and even state to state. Working with a partner with global expertise is essential to reduce risk.

This guide covers common reasons international employers face lawsuits. We also go over examples of companies being sued, and the best strategies to avoid legal trouble abroad, and how to handle business litigation if it happens.

What is a business lawsuit?

A business lawsuit is a legal dispute between two or more parties involving a business matter. These lawsuits can happen for a variety of reasons, with the most common ones being:

• Intellectual property violations

• Discrimination

• Breach of contract

• Wage law violations

• Wrongful injury

When someone feels wronged or has suffered a loss due to another’s actions, they might file a lawsuit seeking compensation, contract enforcement, or other help from the court.

What is the difference between a business lawsuit and other types of lawsuits?

Business lawsuits differ from other types of lawsuits in several ways:

• Who’s involved: Business lawsuits involve businesses or business entities as parties, while other lawsuits can involve individuals, organizations, or government bodies.

• What’s at stake: Business litigation usually deals with commercial issues, like those mentioned above. Other lawsuits can cover a wide range of issues, including personal injury claims, family law, criminal offenses, civil rights, and real estate disputes.

• Complexity: Business lawsuits are often complex and time-consuming, requiring extensive documentation and specialized legal expertise. Other lawsuits can be quick and simple or long and complicated, depending on the issue.

Intellectual property violation lawsuits

Intellectual property (IP) violations are a common cause of business litigation. When someone misuses or steals a company's IP, it can lead to expensive lawsuits and damage the company's reputation. To avoid these issues, it's crucial to understand what IP is and how it can be violated.

What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property (IP) refers to the intangible assets (“creative outputs of the mind”) generated by your company. IP is distinct from physical property such as buildings, goods, and infrastructure, although both enjoy protections under the law.

Some common types of IP include:

• Copyrights include written works, music, graphics, and software or code.

• Patents cover inventions, methods, designs, and processes, or significant improvements on existing inventions, methods, designs, or processes.

• Trademarks include words, phrases, logos, or images that designate products or services as unique and distinct from others of similar nature.

• Trade secrets include the various types of confidential information, formulas, techniques, and recipes held by your company.

What are IP violations?

IP violations occur when a third party knowingly or unknowingly uses IP without consent or permission. IP infringement could include something as obvious as putting another company’s logo on your own goods or marketing your services under the same name as another company’s services.

In a traditional business setting where everyone works and produces IP in one place, the owner of the IP is generally clear. However, in remote work settings, when using contractors, and with cross-border teams, ownership can become muddled. This opens the door to inadvertent IP violations and complaints against your business.

What determines the consequences of IP violations?

The consequences of IP violations include financial fines and penalties, injunctions against ongoing and future infringement, and even criminal consequences for deliberate violations.

However, consequences vary greatly based on a variety of factors.

• Location. The state or country where the trademark or patent is registered and where the violation takes place will determine the size of the penalty.

• Scale. The amount of IP being infringed is another determining factor, increasing with the size of the violation.

• Profits. The greater the profit on stolen IP, the greater the consequences.

• Intention. Willful violations generally incur a greater penalty and can even incur criminal penalties such as prison time.

How can misclassification put your IP at risk?

Worker misclassification is always a concern for HR. It comes with many risks and consequences, including fines and penalties, as well as the loss of IP.

Misclassifying an employee or contractor can end a relationship, leaving the question of who owns the work produced unanswered. This opens you up to legal action and the loss of your IP. Not only does losing your IP harm your company, but legal questions about IP ownership could also cause potential partners to avoid working with your business.

Does working with a global team put your IP at risk?

Remote workers do not necessarily expose your IP to additional risk, but you do need to know how to protect your IP when your team is distributed across multiple countries. When you work with team members in other countries, the transfer of IP to your business is essential. If you work with an employer of record (EOR) or other partner, you must ensure that your IP is transferred to you with no intermediaries involved.

For more information on intellectual property rights and remote teams, check out our helpful guide.

How can you avoid IP lawsuits?

There are many ways to avoid IP lawsuits.

Produce media in-house

IP infringement can happen when you outsource activities. Producing media in house adds a layer of protection for your unique creative output.

Proper worker classification

Managing misclassification effectively creates more stable working relationships and clarity of IP ownership.

Work with a local partner

IP protections vary from country to country. Partnering with a reputable employer of record when hiring abroad can help you protect your IP. Just be sure to work with an EOR with its own local entity to ensure your IP is not exposed to third parties.

Employ IP protection

Stellar IP protection like Remote’s IP Guard helps you in a variety of ways.

• We use local entities to provide greater protection than companies who employ your workers through partners.

• Our two-step process for transferring your IP to you offers a very high level of protection.

• We work with companies in a wide variety of industries, giving us a wide base of expertise.

Discrimination lawsuits

Discrimination occurs when a company treats an individual differently or less favorably based on factors such as age, race, national origin, religion, gender identity, sex, pregnancy status, sexual orientation, or other factors. Accusations of discrimination can lead to lawsuits and other serious consequences for companies and workers.

These lawsuits can be based on a variety of accusations:

• Wrongful termination

• Denial of benefits

• Discriminatory policies

• Workplace retaliation

• Unfair treatment

• Harassment

• Discriminatory hiring practices

The size of settlements for discrimination lawsuits depends on a variety of factors.

• Does the company show a pattern of discrimination?

• How many plaintiffs claim discrimination?

• What level and type of harm did the plaintiff suffer?

• How big were the economic consequences for the plaintiff?

• How much did the company benefit from the discrimination?

How to avoid discrimination lawsuits

Because the consequences of discrimination lawsuits are so extensive, it makes sense to go out of your way to avoid them. The following practices can help.

Ensure regulatory compliance

Employment discrimination laws can vary greatly from country to country and even by state, province, or region within a single country. Make sure to research all regulations in all locations where your teams are located.

Develop globally compliant policies

Because of the wide variation across locations, your policies should reflect global norms against discrimination. This is especially important if your company is headquartered in areas of the world with weaker discrimination protections.

Provide comprehensive training

To avoid business lawsuits, it’s important to provide regular training for leaders, hiring managers, interviewers, and the rest of your organization. This training should include the globally compliant policies discussed above as well as content unique to specific locations.

Adopt remote-first recruiting practices and work culture

Remote-first recruiting practices place equal treatment and diversity in the workplace front and center. By adopting these practices, you reduce your risk of discrimination in recruiting. You also create a culture of inclusion where differences are valued.

Five significant US discrimination acts

In the US, companies must understand the five major federal laws pertaining to discrimination. Violations of these statues are subject to penalties and consequences.

• Title IX of Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title IX states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” The effects of this are far-reaching, but for employment purposes, men and women must be trained in equal numbers and with equal resources.

• Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. This prohibits discrimination against people based on pregnancy.

• Equal Pay Act of 1963. The Equal Pay Act prohibits discrimination on account of sex in the payment of wages by employers engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce. This requires that men and women be paid equally for the same job.

• Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967. This act prohibits employment discrimination against people over the age of 40.

• Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Title I of this act prohibits private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies, and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in applying for jobs, hiring, firing, and job training.

Breach of contract lawsuits

Businesses can be sued for breach of contract, which means failing to adhere to the agreements they establish with employees or independent contractors.

Types of contract breaches

There are four main types of contract breaches.

• Minor: A minor breach of contract occurs when a small portion of the requirements are not met but you provide the substance of what you agreed to. Depending on the effect on the non-breaching party, consequences may not be severe

• Material: A material breach occurs when you provide something materially or significantly different or of less value than what was agreed to.

• Actual: An actual breach of contract occurs when you fail to fulfill a specific aspect of the contract entirely.

• Anticipatory: An anticipatory breach can be claimed if it appears that you are not going to fulfill the requirements of the contract.

Consequences of contract breach

Consequences of contract breach judgments include the following:

Monetary damages

If you are found to be in breach of contract, you will most likely be required to pay damages to the other party. These could include compensatory damages to cover what was lost as a result of the breach of contract. These damages could include such things as lost wages as a result of wage discrimination and the legal costs of the non-breaching party.

You may also be liable for punitive damages above compensation to the non-breaching party meant to punish you for the breach. These can be quite extensive depending on the specifics of the case.

Specific performance

You may be required to take specific actions aimed at remedying the breach of contract and the consequences caused to the other party. This could include actions such as giving someone their job back or implementing discrimination training in your workplaces.

Cancellation

The contract itself could be canceled, relieving all parties of responsibility of fulfilling the obligations of the contract.

How are consequences assessed in breach-of-contract cases?

• Location: The location in which the contract was made has a major effect on the assessment of damages. Laws governing contracts vary greatly from place to place and have an impact on what constitutes a breach of contract.

• Timing: There may be a statute of limitations on how much time a plaintiff has to file a breach of contract lawsuit. This will vary based on location and the terms of the contract.

• Severity: The amount of harm suffered by the plaintiff will determine consequences, with more severe harm resulting in more extreme penalties.

• Intention: If you intentionally entered into the contract with the intent to breach or if you decide after the contract was signed to intentionally breach the contract, expect more severe consequences.

How to avoid breach-of-contract lawsuits

Here are some strategies for avoiding breach-of-contract lawsuits.

Thoroughly vet employment contracts

All employment contracts should be thoroughly vetted for legality based on the location of the worker. That means you will need a specific understanding of local employment laws to ensure fair, compliant contracts.

Review and update contracts

Contracts should be routinely reviewed and updated according to evolving employment roles as well as for changes in local employment laws and regulations.

Monitor contracts to ensure they are fulfilled

Constant contract monitoring for all remote locations and remote workers can ensure that you are meeting your contract obligations.

Work with a global employment partner

A global partner like Remote can help to keep you compliant when registering new employment contracts with international workers and when developing contracts in new locations. This is vitally important as you expand your global team. Hiring remote employees can be challenging, but the rewards are well worth it.

Wage law violation lawsuits

Wage law violations put you at risk for litigation. Common wage law violations can be the result of misclassifying employees, improper or illegal compensation, and failing to deliver back pay. And wage laws, like many employment laws, vary widely by location.

Local variation goes beyond differences between countries. Laws can vary within countries as well. The US Wages and Fair Labor Standards Act sets some national standards for minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping. However, wage laws vary widely by state.

For example, federal statutes dictate the lowest legal minimum wage, but states can establish their own higher minimum wage. So it’s vital to understand laws by state, province, and region.

What’s the safest way to remain compliant with international wage laws?

Remote work continues to grow, and more and more companies are recognizing the value of leveraging global talent. However, in order to employ workers in foreign countries on your own, you need a local legal entity. Setting up these entities is both expensive and time-consuming. Oftentimes, it doesn’t make sense to spend a year and thousands of dollars opening entities in every country where you wish to employ workers.

An employer of record (EOR) is an entity that serves as the employer of your workers in cases where your company does not own a local legal entity. Using an EOR is the safest way to remain compliant with all local labor law in international countries. As employers, they ensure you and your workers are in compliance.

International wage law violations

Organizations that hire internationally can be more exposed to liability under foreign wage laws. Whether you are paying international contractors or working directly with employees using an EOR, you must be careful to avoid violating wage laws in different regions.

How to avoid being sued for wage law violations

Familiarize yourself with local wage laws

Laws vary from place to place, so make sure you know the laws in countries where your workers are and set wages in accordance with those laws. If you aren’t sure, your EOR should be able to help.

Monitor local wage laws and adjust wages as needed

Laws can change quickly based on new legislation or case law. Monitor for updates in all places where your workers are and adjust wages as laws change.

Use an EOR

Using an employer of record is the safest, simplest way to mitigate the risks of wage law violations. Doing so allows you to rely on local employment experts across the world to manage compliance.

Wrongful injury lawsuits

Businesses can be sued by employees or contractors who are injured due to negligence, dangerous workplaces, or intentional misconduct by your company. The following factors put you at risk for workplace injury lawsuits:

• Dangerous workplaces and storefronts

• Failure to maintain equipment

• Failure to properly test products

• Lack of safety gear or features

• Inadequate staffing

• Inadequate instructions and training

What determines wrongful injury settlements?

Wrongful injury settlements are determined based on the cost and severity of the injury, as well as the level of responsibility held by the company.

Settlements can include:

• Lost wages

• Past and future medical expenses

• Estimated future losses due to the injury

• Pain and suffering

• Punitive damages from deliberate or irresponsible practices and workplaces

How to avoid being sued for wrongful injury

• Carry good workers’ compensation insurance

• Monitor and fix hazards

• Fully test products and services

• Provide proper worker safety training and instructions

• Provide proper staffing levels

• Comply with OSHA and other standards

3 examples of real-world business lawsuits

Let's take a look at three real-world business lawsuits. These cases highlight common legal challenges and offer valuable lessons for avoiding similar issues.

1. Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder lawsuit

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) faces ongoing litigation over its talcum powder products, which are alleged to cause cancer. In June 2024, J&J settled for $700 million with 42 states and the District of Columbia for misleading marketing claims. Additionally, a jury awarded $260 million to a woman who developed mesothelioma from using J&J’s baby powder.

J&J switched to cornstarch for Johnson’s Baby Powder in 2023 and eventually stopped selling its talc-based powder. However, this lawsuit could have been avoided by:

• Doing thorough testing to ensure no asbestos

• Investing in safer alternatives to talcum powder

• Following industry regulations closely

• Regularly auditing and reviewing safety standards

Key takeaways from this case:

• Be honest in your marketing to avoid legal trouble.

• Address safety concerns quickly to build trust and reduce harm.

• Ethical practices and a commitment to safety protect a company’s reputation and success.

2. Amazon’s wage law lawsuits

Amazon has faced many wage law violation lawsuits over the years. In 2021, it paid over $61.7 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges for withholding tips from Amazon Flex drivers. In 2022, it settled a class-action lawsuit with Oregon warehouse workers for $18 million over unpaid wages. In 2024, Amazon agreed to a $3 million settlement for unpaid overtime wages to California employees.

Key takeaways from these cases:

• Pay employees fairly, including tips and overtime, to avoid legal and financial trouble.

• Implement clear and transparent wage policies to prevent misunderstandings and ensure compliance with local labor laws.

• Conduct regular audits of payroll and compensation practices to catch and fix issues early.

• Follow federal and state labor laws strictly to avoid violations and lawsuits.

3. Goldman Sachs’ gender discrimination lawsuit

In 2023, Goldman Sachs paid $215 million to settle a long-running gender discrimination class action lawsuit that began in 2010. The lawsuit claimed that the company favored male employees, leading to unfair treatment and pay for women.

Key takeaways from this case:

• Make sure pay and promotions are fair and based on performance, not gender (or any other personal characteristic).

• Implement clear, transparent policies for pay and promotions so everyone understands the process.

• Regularly audit pay and promotion practices to spot and fix any issues early.

• Show a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion from the top down and hold leaders accountable for creating a fair workplace.

7 best practices for small businesses preparing and handling business lawsuits

Dealing with business lawsuits can be daunting, especially for small businesses. But with the right steps, you can be better prepared. Here are seven tips to help you do just that.

1. Retain an attorney

It might be tempting to handle legal issues yourself, but having a business law attorney on retainer is a safer bet. They can:

• Spot potential legal risks

• Keep you compliant with federal regulations

• Offer expert advice

• Respond quickly if a lawsuit arises

Think trouble’s brewing? Call your lawyer early to strategize and prevent problems from escalating.

2. Check your insurance coverage

Are you covered for any legal issues that might come your way? Here’s how to check:

• Regularly review your business insurance policies, especially liability coverage, to make sure you're fully protected.

• Know exactly what’s covered and how to file a claim if needed.

• Don’t hesitate to chat with your insurance company for clarity on your policy details.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

3. Document everything

Make a habit of keeping detailed records of all your business activities, like:

• Transactions

• Communications

• Contracts

• Employee interactions

As soon as you suspect a lawsuit, save everything relevant, like emails and contracts. Organize everything neatly so your legal team can quickly find what they need. Keeping good records protects your business and makes dealing with legal issues a lot easier.

4. Be financially prepared

Set aside an emergency fund specifically for lawsuits or disputes. This way, you're ready for unexpected costs without disrupting business operations. Also, track all your legal expenses carefully — these records are useful for accounting and might even offer tax deduction opportunities.

5. Respond promptly to legal notices

When you receive a legal notice, don’t delay — respond right away. Missing deadlines can lead to default judgments against you, which can be costly and damaging. Always follow your lawyer's guidance throughout the process. Acting quickly shows you're serious about addressing the issue and helps avoid unnecessary problems.

6. Maintain open communication

Open communication has always been important, but in legal situations, it’s especially so.

• Brief your team on handling legal notices and keep them informed throughout the process.

• Appoint a spokesperson to handle public statements so you control the message and avoid any confusion.

• Don’t forget about your legal team and insurance company. Keep them in the loop with all the details they need to build a rock-solid defense.

7. Consider alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

Facing a dispute? ADR might be worth it for a faster, cheaper resolution.

Mediation, where a neutral third party helps both sides work toward a mutually agreeable outcome, can often keep you out of court. Another option is arbitration, where an arbitrator listens to both sides and makes a binding decision. This process is usually faster and cheaper than traditional litigation.

Additionally, being open to negotiating settlements can often resolve issues faster and with fewer expenses than a full-blown court case.

The fastest, safest way to consolidate your payroll processes

The risk of business lawsuits is real and can seriously affect not just your bottom line but also your reputation. The most common types of lawsuits include:

• Intellectual property violation lawsuits

• Discrimination lawsuits

• Breach of contract lawsuits

• Wage law violation lawsuits

• Wrongful injury lawsuits

A partner like Remote can minimize risk when building a globally distributed team. Remote’s employer of record service allows businesses to rely on Remote’s team of global employment experts to maintain compliance and mitigate risks.

Remote provides a comprehensive way to approach global expansion.

• Unifies global contractor payments

• Provides employer of record services

• Provides payroll management for your international entities in one platform

• Consolidates payroll processing

• Provides peace of mind with local compliance

• Reduces payroll costs and streamline your payment processes

Sign up now and begin onboarding employees and contractors around the world. If you have questions, contact us and a member of our global team will help answer any questions you may have.

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