Contract Disputes

Strategic representation in commercial contract litigation across Ontario

The Nature of Corporate and Commercial Disputes

Contract disputes are among the most common forms of commercial litigation. They arise when one or more parties to a business agreement disagree about their respective rights and obligations, or when one party fails to perform as promised. These disputes can involve written contracts, oral agreements, or implied terms arising from the conduct of the parties.

At Starkman & Zhang Lawyers, we represent businesses and individuals in a wide range of contract disputes before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Our approach combines thorough legal analysis with practical, results-oriented advocacy.

Nature of the Corporate Disputes We Handle

Shareholder, Control, and Financing Disputes

Corporate litigation frequently involves disputes over control, security enforcement, and the consequences of default under sophisticated commercial arrangements. In Atlas (Brampton) Limited Partnership v. Canada Grace Park Ltd., 2021 ONCA 221, the Ontario Court of Appeal addressed a complex dispute arising from a secured financing transaction, including the enforcement of security over pledged shares and the statutory requirements governing foreclosure under the Personal Property Security Act.

This decision illustrates the type of high-stakes corporate disputes we regularly handle—where contractual rights, statutory compliance, and corporate control issues converge, and where matters may proceed through trial-level litigation and appellate review.

Commercial Litigation Arising from Development and Business Transactions

Disputes also commonly arise from failed or contested commercial transactions, including development projects and real estate-related business arrangements. In Luo v. Fulton Development Inc., 2023 ONSC 6262, the Superior Court of Justice considered a motion to strike in a commercial dispute arising from a development relationship, highlighting the court's role in assessing pleadings in complex commercial litigation at an early procedural stage.

Cases of this nature reflect the reality of modern corporate litigation: multi-layered agreements, competing factual narratives, and the need for careful pleading strategy and motion practice to define and narrow the issues in dispute.

Our Approach to Corporate Litigation

With decades of courtroom experience, our approach to corporate and commercial litigation is strategic, disciplined, and matter-focused. We assist clients by:

Assessing litigation risk and leverage at an early stage
Developing clear theories of the case grounded in contract, statute, and equity
Pursuing or resisting urgent relief, including injunctions and preservation orders
Preparing matters for trial while remaining focused on commercially sensible outcomes

We understand that corporate litigation is not conducted in a vacuum—it affects ownership, financing, reputation, and ongoing business operations.

When to Contact Us

If you are involved in a shareholder dispute, secured lending conflict, development dispute, or other complex commercial matter, we can assist in evaluating your position and developing a litigation strategy informed by experience and precedent.

Why Clients Retain Us for Corporate Disputes

Clients retain Starkman & Zhang for corporate disputes where the legal issues are complex, the financial stakes are significant, and the outcome may have lasting consequences for ownership, control, or the viability of a business.

We are frequently engaged in disputes involving shareholders, directors, secured lenders, developers, and business principals where contractual rights intersect with statutory obligations and equitable considerations. These matters often require careful analysis of corporate governance, financing structures, and enforcement mechanisms under Ontario law.

Our litigation experience includes matters involving contested control transactions, secured lending enforcement, development-related disputes, and high-conflict commercial litigation that demands disciplined pleading, effective motion practice, and strategic trial preparation.

Clients value our ability to assess risk early, identify leverage points, and advance clear litigation strategies grounded in precedent and procedural rigor. We approach corporate disputes with a focus on positioning clients for the strongest possible outcome—whether through early resolution, interim relief, or trial-level advocacy.

Representative Matters

Selected contract dispute matters our firm has handled in Ontario:

Kal-Trading v. Plastics Processing, [2006] O.J. No. 2127

USD $69,000.35 summary judgment on dishonoured cheques for goods sold and delivered — equitable set-off rejected on bills of exchange under Iraco.

Canada Grace Park v. Grigoras, 2021 ONSC 3934

Summary judgment on two $500,000 loans plus personal guarantee under Hryniak; counterclaim dismissed; $700,000 principal recovered with 12% / 15% interest.

Tranmere v. Helter, [2005] O.J. No. 2847

$987,320 mortgage summary judgment despite a $2.5M counterclaim shield — injunction to stay judgment denied.

Jonathan’s Aluminum v. Retail Alloy, 2015 ONSC 6485

Business chattels sale trial — multi-day trial on the documentary record of an ongoing-relationship dispute.

CNL Stamping v. Lorwood, 2015 (Master Muir)

Pleading amendment motion refused on waiver grounds — defendant could not resurrect previously waived defences late in the proceeding.

Wei v. Ye-Hang, 2026 ONCA 180

Court of Appeal affirmed summary judgment in a commercial dispute, applying the Hryniak framework on appellate review.

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A breach of contract is rarely as clean as it looks on day one. These three articles answer the questions most clients ask in the first call, in the order they ask them.

Facing a Contract Dispute?

Our litigation team can assess your case and advise on the most effective strategy. Contact us to schedule a consultation.