Dispute Resolution

Other areas of expertise:

Disputes are an inevitable part of business and social relations, but the way they are resolved determines how much value, reputation, and time a company or individual will preserve. In practice, disputes may arise within contractual relations, employment, investments, intellectual property rights, competition, or insurance. When it comes to international transactions, an additional layer of complexity comes from different legal systems and jurisdictions.

Zunic Law represents clients in a wide range of proceedings, from domestic court litigation and arbitration to international disputes. Our team combines experience in litigation and arbitration with knowledge of alternative dispute resolution methods, such as negotiation and mediation. Attorney Tijana Zunic Maric holds a certificate from the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Serbia for mediation, which gives clients the opportunity for a fast, efficient, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Why Zunic Law for dispute resolution?

Experience before domestic and international forums: we represent clients in disputes before courts, arbitration panels, and regulatory bodies, including complex international proceedings.
Wide scope of practice areas: from commercial and business disputes, through intellectual property and unfair competition, to IT and labor disputes.
Efficient solutions: we focus on pragmatic approaches and strategies that reduce costs and time while safeguarding clients’ interests.
Alternative dispute resolution: we offer negotiation and mediation as faster and often more cost-effective options compared to litigation.

Our approach: efficiency, strategy, and protection of interests

In every type of dispute, our goal is to ensure a balance between legal certainty and practicality.

This means recognizing risks, anticipating the opponent’s moves, and creating a legal strategy that brings the best results.

We always provide clients with multiple options: from amicable resolution of disputes through negotiation and mediation, to full representation in litigation or arbitration.

Our task is to use legal mechanisms to preserve clients’ value, reputation, and business potential.

Key Practice Areas

Commercial and business disputes: protection in business relations
Intellectual property disputes
Unfair competition disputes
IT and software-related disputes
Real estate disputes
Employment litigation
Mass consumer disputes
Damages claims
Recognition and enforcement of foreign court decisions
Recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards
Insurance disputes
Bankruptcy-related proceedings

Below are the details by key practice areas, with a focus on the practical results we deliver.

1) Commercial and business disputes: protection in business relations

Contractual disputes: interpretation and application of contractual clauses, protection against non-performance or poor delivery of contractual obligations.
Debt collection: initiating court and enforcement proceedings, interim measures, and account freezes to secure debt repayment.
Contract termination and damages: litigation over termination due to breaches and claims for damages.
Litigation: representation in commercial disputes for domestic and foreign companies.
Arbitration: representation in domestic and international arbitrations with tailored strategies and evidence.

Result: faster and more secure protection of rights in business transactions, with controlled costs and risks.

2) Intellectual property disputes

Copyright and related rights: protection against unauthorized use and infringement of digital content.
Industrial property infringement: trademarks, patents, industrial design, and brand protection.
Injunctions: proposing interim measures and removal of infringing products or content from the market.
Damages claims: initiating proceedings for compensation of license fees or lost profits.
Representation before courts and authorities: administrative and judicial proceedings before IPO and regular courts.

Result: safeguarding innovations and intellectual assets as key business resources.

3) Unfair competition disputes

Misleading advertising: lawsuits for false claims and consumer deception.
Unfair business practices: protection against parasitic exploitation of reputation and imitation.
Trade secret breaches: representation in disputes over unauthorized use of confidential information.
Urgent measures: proposing interim injunctions and withdrawal of disputed products.
Protection of reputation: combining legal and practical solutions to maintain market position.

Result: stopping unfair practices and preserving competitive advantage.

4) IT and software-related disputes

IT contracts: representation in disputes over non-performance in IT projects.
Software license infringements: protecting rights of software producers and users against misuse.
Outsourcing and cloud services: disputes over non-compliance with SLA/OLA obligations, availability, or data security.
Digital solutions implementation: resolving disputes over delays, defects, or failed implementations.
Arbitration and litigation: representation before specialized arbitration panels and courts.

Result: legal certainty in technology projects and IT partnerships.

5) Real estate disputes

Ownership and possession disputes: representation in proceedings concerning property and possession rights.
Lease disputes: protecting landlords’ and tenants’ interests, rent collection, contract termination.
Construction and management: disputes with contractors, property managers, and investors.
Cadastre entries: challenging invalid registrations and protection against rights interference.
Mediation and out-of-court settlements: attempts at amicable resolution before litigation.

Result: legally clear property and uninterrupted disposal of real estate.

6) Employment litigation

Dismissals and disciplinary procedures: representation in disputes over legality of termination or disciplinary measures.
Employee rights violations: protection against mobbing, discrimination, and unpaid wages.
Employer protection: representation in disputes, safeguarding business interests, and workplace discipline.
Collective disputes: representation in conflicts between unions and employers.
Mediation in employment disputes: faster resolutions through negotiation and mediation.

Result: lawful and fair resolution of employment relations.

7) Mass consumer disputes

Banking and telecommunications: representing companies in disputes with large groups of consumers.
E-commerce: resolving disputes over delivery delays, returns, and complaints.
Class actions: defense in proceedings involving numerous participants.
ADR/ODR mechanisms: using alternative dispute resolution to reduce litigation.
Regulatory compliance: aligning business practices with consumer protection laws.

Result: managing reputational and financial risks in consumer disputes.

8) Damages claims

Material damages: lawsuits for compensation due to property damage and lost profits.
Non-material damages: disputes over violations of honor, reputation, or personal rights.
Traffic accidents: representation in disputes over compensation and recourse claims.
Product liability: defense in disputes concerning defective products and services.
Insurance disputes: representation in relation to insured sum payments.

Result: fair compensation of damages or successful defense against unfounded claims.

9) Recognition and enforcement of foreign court judgments

Exequatur proceedings: initiating recognition of foreign judgments in Serbia.
Formal requirements check: jurisdiction, delivery, public order.
Coordination with foreign counsel: collecting and processing documents for recognition.
Enforcement in Serbia: implementing foreign court decisions through enforcement proceedings.
Translations and certifications: preparing documentation in line with court requirements.

Result: foreign court decisions that produce legal effect in Serbia.

10) Recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards

Application of international conventions: proceedings under the New York Convention and domestic laws.
Representation in exequatur: preparing evidence and responses to objections.
Coordination with arbitral institutions: obtaining necessary documentation and records.
Enforcement proceedings: implementing arbitral awards before domestic courts.
Client interest protection: preventing abuses in recognition proceedings.

Result: arbitral awards that are quickly and effectively applied in practice.

11) Insurance disputes

Compensation claims: representing insured parties in disputes with insurers over payouts.
Policies and conditions: interpreting policy obligations and protecting against unfair clauses.
Insurer representation: defending insurance companies in disputes with policyholders.
Recourse proceedings: pursuing claims between insurers and third parties.
Arbitration and litigation: representation before all relevant forums.

Result: fair and lawful application of insurance contracts.

12) Bankruptcy-related proceedings

Claims filing: representing creditors in filing and contesting claims.
Debtor protection: representing companies in restructuring and reorganization plans.
Secured creditors’ rights: protection of pledge and mortgage holders.
Challenging legal actions: annulment of suspicious transactions before bankruptcy.
Liquidation and settlement: representation in the distribution of the bankruptcy estate.

Result: maximum protection of interests in complex bankruptcy proceedings.

What Collaboration with Us Looks Like

Quick analysis – review of documentation and initial assessment of chances in the dispute.
Strategy definition – risk identification, choice of legal path, and cost assessment.
Implementation – representation before court, arbitration, or in negotiations.
Operational support – ongoing legal advice, mediation, and representation before administrative bodies.

Examples of Completed Projects (Non-Confidential)

Representation in international arbitration concerning a high-value commercial contract.
Resolving a collective dispute with consumers for a telecommunications company.
Successful recognition and enforcement of a foreign judgment in debt collection proceedings in Serbia.
Representation in intellectual property disputes (trademarks and software).

Vitomir Žunić

Aleksandra Jaćimović

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does commercial litigation in Serbia take?

It depends on the complexity of the case, the number of pieces of evidence, and court efficiency.

Simpler cases may conclude within a year, while more complex disputes, especially with international elements, may last longer.

We work to speed up proceedings through interim measures, active evidence preparation, and offering settlements via negotiation or mediation.

2. When is arbitration better than court proceedings?

Arbitration is often recommended in international contracts or disputes requiring discretion and faster resolution.

Advantages include a flexible procedure and the ability to appoint arbitrators with industry expertise.

Downsides can be higher costs compared to courts. Zunic Law advises arbitration when speed, confidentiality, and international enforceability are priorities.

3. Can disputes be resolved amicably without litigation?

Yes. In many cases, negotiation or mediation is more successful than litigation, as it is faster, cheaper, and preserves business relationships.

Our team includes a certified mediator and has extensive experience in amicable dispute resolution.

4. What are the most common mistakes companies make in disputes?

Delaying legal counsel engagement, poor documentation management, ignoring deadlines, and signing contracts without legal review.

These significantly weaken legal positions. We advise involving a lawyer early – at the negotiation stage or first sign of conflict – to minimize risks.

5. What does recognition of a foreign court or arbitral decision in Serbia mean?

A foreign judgment or arbitral award has no legal effect in Serbia until recognized by a domestic court (exequatur).

A petition with required documents (certified translations, proof of finality, proper service) must be filed.

Our team has experience in overcoming typical obstacles such as public policy, jurisdiction, or due process.

6. Can individuals use arbitration, or is it only for companies?

Arbitration is more common in commercial disputes, but individuals may use it if provided in a contract (e.g., investment, purchase, or insurance agreements).

In practice, individuals often prefer courts due to lower costs. We advise clients when arbitration is suitable and help draft proper arbitration clauses.

7. How can a lawyer help in disputes with state authorities?

Disputes with state bodies (Tax Administration, inspections, regulators) require specific expertise since they involve administrative proceedings and lawsuits before administrative courts.

We represent clients, prepare appeals and complaints, and often act preventively by aligning business practices with regulations.

8. How much does dispute resolution cost and how are fees calculated?

Costs depend on the complexity of the case, the competent court or arbitration, and the value of the claim.

They include court fees, expert opinions, travel expenses, and legal fees. We provide upfront cost estimates and maintain full transparency throughout proceedings.