I own a taxi business in Spokane Washington. We have to get our taxi cabs inspected by a mechanic once a year. The city used to do it but we were unhappy because we wanted to choose our own mechanics to do the inspections. The city has responded by telling us we have to go to only one mechanic in Spokane and this mechanic has raised prices as a result. Does this not constitute an illegal monopoly and do we have grounds for a law suit? Thank you.

I was an independant contractor for a company and I signed a non-compete saying I can’t work in the industry for 5 years. Now they think I work for a company that is in the same industry. I don’t work for that company and their trying to sue me. Can they do that? what can I do to protect myself against a frivolous law suit?

My friend is a small business owner, and recently, he involved in a small case law suit, since his business is so slow, he (or his business) can not afford to pay for the penalty (more than $5k), before the final of the court decision (he think he will lost), he want to close the business.
The question is, will he take the responsibility for the case even after close the business, will that lawsuit hold the liability for his own personal asset.
Any suggestion for him to pass the crisis. Thanks.