Daniel J. Oates

Representative Experience

• Franchising Plus

  • Represented investor in franchisor in federal court action alleging pre-sale fraud and misrepresentation claims against investor and franchisor. Obtained dismissal of claims at pleading stage.

  • Represented motor vehicle manufacturer in federal court action alleging wrongful termination of dealership in violation of state and federal law. Obtained order transferring case to appropriate district.

  • Represented franchisor in state court bringing claims against franchisee for wrongful termination of franchise agreement. Obtained verdict in favor of franchisor after trial, awarding damages, lost profits, and enforcement of post-termination non-compete through permanent injunction.

  • Represented franchisor in federal court action to terminate franchise and recover damages from breaching franchisee. Obtained dismissal on summary judgment of franchisee’s statutory and common law counterclaims, and successfully prevailed on termination claims at trial.

  • Represented franchisor in arbitration bringing claims against franchisee for wrongful termination of franchise agreement. Obtained final judgment against franchisee awarding damages and lost profits.

  • Defended franchisor in state court action brought by franchisee seeking damages for alleged violations of Washington’s Franchise Investment Protection Act, registration and disclosure violations. Obtained dismissal of franchisee’s claims on summary judgment.

  • Defended franchisor in federal court action brought by franchisee seeking damages for alleged violations of Washington’s Franchise Investment Protection Act, registration and disclosure violations. Obtained dismissal of franchisee’s claims on summary judgment.

  • Represented franchisor in trademark infringement lawsuit. Obtained favorable coexistence agreement with junior user that protected franchisor’s trademark rights.

• Cannabis Plus

  • Represented cannabis industry licensor and supplier in claims for breach of contract and breach of option to purchase licensed cannabis business assets in state court and arbitration proceedings.

  • Represented creditor of producer-processor cannabis business. Obtained temporary restraining order prohibiting Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board from seizing and destroying producer-processor’s assets (including cannabis products). Case resolved with agreement with agency that permitted licensee’s assets to be sold and creditors paid with proceeds through state sanctioned receivership action, thereby preserving creditor recovery of defunct licensee’s debts.

  • Represented consultant of cannabis licensee in defense of claims brought in federal court by licensee’s employee alleging fraud and misrepresentation in his employment agreement and claiming ownership interest in cannabis business. Obtained dismissal of claims at pleading stage.

  • Defended retail cannabis location in dispute with landlord over option agreement for sale of interest in cannabis location. Obtained dismissal of claims at pleading stage.

  • Represented many retail and producer-processor cannabis licensees in actions brought by Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board before the Office of Administrative Hearings in defense of administrative notices of violation relating to matters including traceability violations, testing violations, misrepresentation violations, true-party-in-interest violations, and pesticide violations.

• Gasoline Distribution Plus

  • Represented gasoline supplier in defense of claims brought by dealer in federal court for discrimination in violation of Washington Franchise Investment Protection Act, Washington Gasoline Dealer Bill of Rights Act, and breach of contract. Prevailed on summary judgment with dismissal of all claims.

  • Represented gasoline supplier in defense of claims brought by dealer in federal court alleging fraud in sale of gasoline station. Obtained summary judgment dismissal of claims, affirmed on appeal by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

  • Represented gasoline supplier on breach of contract claim against distributor over gasoline supply contract.

• Real Estate Plus

  • Defended dozens of real estate licensees in state court action seeking damages for misrepresentation and breach of statutory and common law duties. Obtained complete defense verdict following jury trial on the merits.

  • Represented landlord and property owner in defense of procuring cause claims for commissions allegedly earned by commercial real property broker.

  • Represented tenant in breach of lease action seeking early termination of lease.

  • Represented secured creditor in quiet title action seeking to secure property for sale after prior owner asserted right, title, and interest in real property after foreclosure. Obtained multiple file judgments affirming ownership interest and permanently enjoining prior owner from asserting ownership interest in prior property.

• Other Commercial Litigation Plus

  • Represented manufacturer in trademark infringement lawsuit seeking to prevent former distributor from infringing on manufacturer’s marks. Successfully obtained agreement from former distributor to prevent use of manufacturer’s marks.

  • Represented multiple trademark holders in Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) actions seeking cancellation of existing marks or opposition to trademark applications.

  • Represented multiple owners of small business entities in disputes over business ownership and operational issues, including claims for breach of fiduciary duty.