Joint ventures often begin with shared goals and contributions of two or more parties—whether sharing costs, expertise, contacts, or effort. But when one party takes the opportunity for themselves and excludes the other at the crucial moment, the financial and personal consequences can be significant.
Norling Law regularly assists clients facing such business venture disputes. If you helped build a commercial opportunity and were shut out before the payoff, you may have enforceable rights.
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Why the Law Protects You in Joint Ventures
When parties agree to collaborate for a specific project with a common objective, the law may impose rights and obligations such as:
- Loyalty
- Acting in good faith
- Not taking the joint opportunity for oneself
- Not excluding the other party after shared effort
If these duties are breached, you may be entitled to profit‑sharing, compensation, or restoration of your respective interest in the joint venture.
A Typical JV Agreement Dispute
Two or more companies collaborate to develop a commercial or property opportunity. Together they combine resources to research, negotiate, and shape this specific business project, with the intention of forming a successful joint venture, whether as a separate legal entity (such as an incorporated limited liability company) or through an unincorporated joint venture partnership agreement.
But just before finalising the deal, one party proceeds alone, signing documents, restructuring arrangements, and taking the benefit for themselves.
This behaviour is not just unfair to the other parties involved; it may breach duties that arise when parties jointly pursue a new project.
Signs You May Have a Strong Claim
You may have a claim against the other joint venture party if:
- You jointly pursued a business or development opportunity
- You contributed capital, time, expertise, or negotiations
- The other party completed the deal alone
- You were excluded without justification
- The other party has profited from the venture you helped create
Even informal or unwritten business arrangements can support a claim.
How Norling Law Assists with Joint Venture Disputes
1. Assessing Your Rights
We analyse your contributions and the conduct of the other party to determine whether partnership duties were breached and what remedies are available.
2. Quantifying Loss or Profit
We identify the value of profits earned, opportunities lost, or contributions made, key components of a successful joint venture claim.
3. Taking Immediate Protective Steps
Depending on the case, we may:
- Lodge a caveat to prevent dealings with property
- Send demand letters
- Engage in urgent negotiations
- File court proceedings to secure your position
4. Negotiation or Court Representation
We pursue fair outcomes through negotiation where possible, or litigation where necessary.
Common Outcomes for Joint Venture Agreement Disputes
Joint venture and partnership disputes often resolve through:
- Compensation payments
- Accounting for profits wrongfully earned
- Buy‑out arrangements
- Reinstatement of your interest in a JV company or partnership
Many joint venture contract agreement disputes settle once you assert your rights with legal support.
If This Sounds Familiar, We Can Help
Being excluded from a new business or project you helped build is frustrating and expensive, but you do not need to accept the loss. Norling Law has extensive experience in joint venture disputes across New Zealand. We can help you protect your business interests and recover the value you are owed.
Contact us for a 30-minute consultation to discuss your situation and next steps.
