As the year 2020 concluded, it left us with many noticeable events in history, including a handful of high-profile breach of contract cases. The year saw several lawsuits that made headlines for their gravity and unique circumstances. Below are some of the famous breach of contract cases that made waves in the legal world in 2020.
1. TikTok Ban by the U.S. Government
In August 2020, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to ban the popular social media app TikTok from operating in the United States, alleging the app was a threat to national security. The ban prompted TikTok`s parent company, ByteDance, to challenge the decision in court. The lawsuit filed by ByteDance claimed that the government had not provided enough evidence to support its allegations against the app. The case is still ongoing, and the court has not yet reached a final decision.
2. Apple vs. Epic Games
In August 2020, Epic Games, the maker of the popular game Fortnite, sued Apple after the tech giant removed the game from the App Store for violating its policies. Epic Games accused Apple of operating a monopoly and engaging in anti-competitive behavior by charging an excessive commission on in-app purchases. The case has been ongoing, with both parties launching counterclaims against each other. The final decision is still pending.
3. The WeWork Saga
WeWork, the co-working space provider, made headlines in 2020 for its legal battles against SoftBank, its largest investor. The case arose when SoftBank backed out of a $3 billion deal to purchase additional shares of WeWork`s stock following a financial crisis that hit the company. WeWork accused SoftBank of breach of contract and violating its fiduciary duty. In September 2020, the two parties reached a settlement agreement under which SoftBank paid WeWork $1.5 billion to resolve the case.
4. The National Rifle Association`s Legal Battle with Ackerman McQueen
The National Rifle Association (NRA) sued its former advertising agency, Ackerman McQueen, in 2020 for breach of contract and fraud. The lawsuit alleged that Ackerman McQueen had breached its duty of loyalty and misrepresented its billing practices. The case is still pending.
Conclusion
Breach of contract cases can be complex and often involve significant sums of money. The above cases highlight how disputes can arise between parties, sometimes leading to legal battles that take months or even years to resolve. With the increasing use of technology, it is likely that the number of high-profile breach of contract cases will continue to rise in the coming years. It is essential for businesses and individuals to seek legal advice before entering into any contracts to ensure they are fully aware of their rights and obligations under the law.