In a significant legal move, the District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit against food delivery giant Grubhub, accusing the company of engaging in deceptive business practices. The lawsuit alleges that Grubhub misled consumers with hidden fees and false advertising, and added restaurants to its platform without their consent. For businesses affected by such practices, consulting our Washington, D.C. business litigation lawyer is essential to working through the legal intricacies of corporate disputes.
According to the complaint, Grubhub listed over 1,000 “partner restaurants” in the D.C. area that had no contractual agreement with the company. These unauthorized listings often featured outdated menus and prices, leading to customer dissatisfaction and potential harm to the restaurants’ reputations. Additionally, the lawsuit highlights Grubhub’s “Supper for Support” promotion, which claimed to support local restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the promotion required restaurants to cover the cost of discounts offered to consumers, contradicting the campaign’s stated intent.
The lawsuit also points to Grubhub’s practice of bundling service fees with taxes, obscuring the true cost to consumers until the final stages of the ordering process. Such tactics are considered “dark patterns,” designed to manipulate consumer behavior through deceptive interface design. These allegations underscore the importance of transparency and fair dealing in business operations.
Grubhub has denied the allegations, stating that it complies with D.C. laws and has discontinued many of the practices in question. The company expressed disappointment over the lawsuit and indicated its intention to defend its business practices in court.
Protecting Businesses In Corporate Dispute Matters
This case exemplifies the challenges businesses may face when dealing with legal disputes involving allegations of deceptive practices. In such situations, the knowledge of our Washington, D.C. business litigation attorneys become invaluable. At Eric Siegel Law, we represent clients in various business-related legal matters, including disputes over unfair trade practices, false advertising, and unauthorized use of business information.
Our business dispute lawyers are committed to providing personalized legal services tailored to the unique needs of each client. With a deep understanding of the legal landscape in Washington, D.C., we are well-equipped to handle challenging litigation cases. Whether you’re dealing with issues related to deceptive marketing, unauthorized business listings, or other unfair practices, our team is here to help.
Our team of corporate litigation lawyers bring a wealth of experience to the table, having successfully represented clients in a wide range of business litigation cases over the last 30 years. Our approach is rooted in a thorough understanding of the law, strategic planning, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. We are licensed to practice in D.C., Maryland, and New York, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts for D.C. and have been recognized for our superior service.
If your business has been affected by deceptive practices or unfair competition, don’t hesitate to seek legal counsel. Our Washington, D.C. business litigation lawyers at Eric Siegel Law can provide the guidance and representation you need to protect your interests and pursue justice. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our company litigation attorneys and learn more about how we can assist you in resolving your business disputes.