Commercial Disputes

What do we offer in this area?

• Reviewing contracts, correspondence and commercial documents
• Identifying claims and defenses and preparing dispute memoranda
• Negotiating a settlement or representation before the competent court

The scope of work and required documents are determined after reviewing the matter and agreeing on the engagement.

When Does a Business Need a Commercial Lawyer in a Dispute?

The commercial lawyer service for businesses handles disputes arising from the company's day-to-day activity: a client who delays paying supply invoices, a supplier who breaches specifications or delivery deadlines, a dispute between partners over profits and management, or a dispute over the performance of an agency or distribution contract. Early intervention helps preserve evidence and calculate the statutory time limits before the options narrow.

• Claims arising from supply, construction, or service contracts
• Disputes among partners and company managers
• Breach of delivery, quality, or payment obligations
• Defense in a lawsuit filed against the business

The Jurisdiction of the Commercial Court and the Commercial Courts Law

The Commercial Courts Law defines the jurisdiction of the Commercial Court, including disputes between merchants arising from their principal or ancillary commercial activities, disputes between partners in companies, and cases relating to commercial laws. Independent commercial courts exist in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, while the venue for hearing cases in other cities is determined according to the applicable judicial organization.

One notable rule is that a commercial claim is not heard after five years from the date the right arose, unless the defendant acknowledges the right or the claimant has an excuse the court accepts; this is discussed in detail in the article The Limitation Period for Hearing Commercial Claims. The Law also requires, in the cases specified by its implementing regulation, that the defendant be notified in writing to perform the obligation before the claim is filed.

How work proceeds in commercial disputes for companies

The service begins by reviewing the file and then choosing the appropriate path for it:

• Reviewing the contract, correspondence, and invoices, and identifying the material facts
• Evaluating evidence under the Evidence Law, including digital evidence
• Sending written notice to the other party when needed
• Exploring settlement opportunities before filing or during the hearing of the case
• Preparing the statement of claim or the defense memorandum and filing it via Najiz
• Attending hearings and following up on the judgment and methods of appeal within the scope of the engagement

The documents the business prepares

Preparing the file early helps build the claim or defense with precision. Among the most important items requested: the commercial register and articles of association, the contract in dispute and its annexes, purchase orders and delivery receipts, invoices and account statements, and correspondence by email and messaging applications. For an overview of commercial litigation services, you can visit the Commercial Disputes page.

Frequently asked questions

What cases fall within the jurisdiction of the Commercial Court?

The Commercial Court has jurisdiction over disputes between merchants arising from their primary or ancillary commercial activities, disputes between partners in companies, and lawsuits relating to commercial laws, in addition to other jurisdictions specified by the Commercial Courts Law. Each dispute’s proper jurisdiction is reviewed according to its parties, nature, and value before filing, because an error in identifying the competent authority may delay the hearing of the case.

What Is the Limitation Period for Hearing a Commercial Claim?

The Commercial Courts Law provides that a lawsuit will not be heard after five years have elapsed from the date the right arose, unless the defendant acknowledges the right or the claimant has an excuse the court accepts. It is therefore advisable to document the due date and any subsequent demands or acknowledgments, and to review the business's position early rather than waiting until the period is about to end.

Can a commercial case be filed and followed up electronically?

Yes, cases are registered via the Najiz platform, and the Ministry of Justice provides e-litigation with written and video sessions for the parties and their representatives, which requires a National Single Sign-On (Nafath) account and a valid power of attorney. The office serves companies in person in Riyadh and Jazan, and in the rest of the Kingdom's regions through e-litigation, with in-person attendance by prior agreement.