Sometimes the real pain isn’t when a business fails. It’s when the person you trusted most turns around and takes everything you worked for. Social media accounts get locked, suppliers cut ties, and clients shift over. The big question always comes: Can you claim it back? This week, let’s break it down piece by piece.
“The company’s only under their name. Do you still have rights?”
Most people don’t realize that the type of business registration matters. If it’s an Enterprise and only one person’s name is on the SSM, they’re legally the sole owner. But if it’s a Partnership or Sdn. Bhd., the law recognizes partners and shareholders based on agreements or shareholding. Before you give up, check how the business was actually registered. That detail could change everything.
“No name on paper. But your money, your ideas built it.”
Just because your name isn’t in the company registration doesn’t mean you lose all rights. If you can show proof that you contributed — capital, marketing, supplier payments, or strategy — the law may protect you. Legal concepts like resulting trust or unjust enrichment exist to stop one party from exploiting another. The key? Keep every piece of evidence safe.
“Your ex took every client. Is there nothing you can do?”
Clients may come and go freely. But if your ex uses confidential data — customer lists, supplier contacts, or business strategies built while you were partners — that can cross into breach of confidence. Years of hard work and trust can’t simply be stolen and repackaged without consequences.
“The logo, the brand name…Who really owns it?”
A brand isn’t just a name — it’s identity, reputation, and trust. If you created the logo or business name, registering a trademark secures your legal ownership. Without registration, fighting back gets much harder if your ex continues to use it. With proper registration, you can stop them, and even sue for passing off or trademark infringement.
