Business litigation can be broadly defined as the legal processes for resolving disputes involving a business, and may include lawsuits, arbitration, mediation, and administrative law proceedings. These business disputes may involve customers, vendors, other businesses, members of the public, insurance companies, or state and federal government agencies.

In Iowa, business litigation encompasses a variety of legal disputes that businesses may encounter. This includes conflicts with customers, suppliers, other businesses, the public, insurers, and government entities. The resolution of these disputes can occur through several avenues such as lawsuits in state or federal courts, arbitration, mediation, or administrative law proceedings. Iowa's court system provides a structured process for litigation, including discovery, pretrial motions, trials, and appeals. Alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration and mediation are encouraged to resolve issues outside of court, often being more cost-effective and quicker. Additionally, administrative law proceedings may involve state agencies like the Iowa Civil Rights Commission or federal agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, depending on the nature of the dispute. Businesses operating in Iowa must adhere to both state statutes and federal laws when involved in litigation, and the choice of process may be influenced by the specifics of the contract, the nature of the dispute, and the preferences of the parties involved.