How Can I Legally Recover My Losses from an Unresponsive IT Company After a Failed Website Project?

Respected,

Looking forward to your help in the following matter. I am the Founder of a startup. I prefer another IT company for my startup project to develop a website. We signed an NDA and also shared the quote, invoices, and website work proposal. As per the agreement, I paid 50% of the work on 7th Feb, and the remaining amount is due at the end, after the completion of the work before handing over. We had three Google Meet sessions to discuss the project and website design and development. During those meetings, we focused solely on the user side (front side of the website) and never delved into backend discussions on admin and database.

Meanwhile, they shared a demo link which I used to check the work progress and development status. I also shared it with my mentor and investors to demonstrate that we are actively working on the project, which is in the development phase. In July, I sent them a declaration letter on my company letterhead, stating that if they claim the project is ready, we should have a meeting to finalize it immediately. I expressed my willingness to pay double the agreed amount for the project. Otherwise, if the project was not ready for handover, they would need to provide it free of cost. However, they are currently unresponsive and unwilling to hand over the work. They have sent a termination of service email but are not engaging further.

I am seeking assistance in drafting a legal email to address this matter. I am considering including the following points:

1) Denial of service provision after 6 months.
2) Failure to complete the project on time.
3) Lack of transparency in sharing project details with the client.
4) Ignoring calls, messages, and emails.

I also wish to explore options to recover my losses, such as the cost of legal proceedings and website development expenses.

Furthermore, I am curious to know if I can take to social media to address this situation. Is it legally permissible, or could it lead to complications?

Looking forward to hearing from you. If there are any errors in my approach, kindly advise.

Thank you.

**Location**: Mumbai, India

Legal Steps to Address Website Development Dispute

In this situation, it is crucial to take strategic steps to address the website development dispute and recover your losses effectively. Here are practical actions you can consider:

1. [Icon: Calendar] Review Contract and Legal Rights:
- Carefully review the contract, including the terms and conditions, payment schedule, and deliverables agreed upon by both parties. Understanding your legal rights is essential before taking further action.

2. [Icon: Document] Draft a Formal Legal Notice:
- Prepare a formal legal notice highlighting the key points you mentioned, such as denial of service provision, project delays, lack of transparency, and communication issues. Clearly state your intention to seek resolution and recover your losses.

3. [Icon: Lawyer] Seek Legal Advice:
- Consult with a legal expert specializing in contract disputes or business law to assess your options and determine the best course of action. They can guide you on the legal aspects of the dispute and potential remedies available to you.

4. [Icon: Email] Send a Legal Email:
- Craft a professional and assertive email outlining your grievances and the steps you intend to take if the issue is not resolved promptly. Clearly communicate your expectations and deadlines for a response.

5. [Icon: Scale] Consider Legal Action:
- If informal attempts to resolve the dispute fail, consider initiating legal proceedings to recover your losses. Be prepared for the potential costs and time involved in pursuing legal action.

6. [Icon: Globe] Social Media Caution:
- While sharing your experience on social media can raise awareness, be cautious about potential legal implications. Avoid making defamatory statements and focus on sharing facts without damaging the other party's reputation.

7. [Icon: Handshake] Negotiation and Mediation:
- Explore the possibility of negotiation or mediation to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. A mediated settlement can often be faster and less costly than litigation.

8. [Icon: Shield] Protect Your Interests:
- Document all communications, agreements, and evidence related to the project dispute. Maintain a record of interactions, payments made, and any relevant documents to support your case.

By following these steps and seeking appropriate legal guidance, you can navigate the website development dispute effectively and work towards recovering your losses in a structured and legally sound manner.