Digital Brands Group, Inc. 10-Q

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS We are currently involved in, and may in the future be involved in, legal proceedings, claims, and government investigations in the ordinary course of business. These include proceedings, claims, and investigations relating to, among other things, regulatory matters, commercial matters, intellectual property, competition, tax, employment, pricing, discrimination, consumer rights, personal injury, and property rights. These matters also include the following: ● On March 21, 2023, a vendor filed a lawsuit against Digital Brands Group related to trade payables totaling approximately $43,501. Such amounts include interest due, and are included in accounts payable, net of payments made to date, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not believe it is probable that the losses in excess of such trade payables will be incurred. ● On November 16, 2023 a vendor filed a lawsuit against Digital Brands Group related to trade payables totaling approximately $345,384 , which represents past due fees and late fees. Such amounts are included in the accompanying balance sheets. The Company does not believe it is probable that the losses in excess of such pay trade payables will be incurred. ● On December 21, 2023, an individual who last worked with the Company more than two years prior to filing the lawsuit initiated a wrongful termination claim against the Company. The Company is disputing the claim and the matter has been moved to arbitration, which has been granted. ● On March 20, 2024, an individual who last worked with the Company two years prior to filing the lawsuit initiated a wrongful termination claim against the Company. The Company is disputing the claim, as the individual was never a direct employee but rather a temporary worker engaged through a third-party staffing agency. ● On April 17, 2024, a former employee filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the Company. The Company is disputing this claim and has been awarded arbitration for this matter. This employee was part of the marketing team. The marketing team was let go and the Company moved to a third-party outsourced marketing solution. ● In June 2021, a vendor filed a lawsuit against Bailey 44 related to a retail store lease in the amount of $1.5 million. The Company is disputing the claim for damages and the matter is ongoing. The vendor has recently updated the claim to now be $450,968 after signing a long-term lease with another brand for this location. The Company is disputing this new amount after review of the lease. ● On November 15, 2023, a vendor filed a lawsuit against Digital Brands Group related to trade payables totaling approximately $582,208, which represents “double damages.” The amount due to the vendor is $292,604. Such amounts are included in the accompanying balance sheets. The Company does not believe it is probable that losses in excess of such pay trade payables will be incurred. The matter was settled for $400,000 and is currently on a monthly payment plan. 37 All claims above, to the extent management believes it will be liable, have been included in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024. Depending on the nature of the proceeding, claim, or investigation, we may be subject to monetary damage awards, fines, penalties, or injunctive orders. Furthermore, the outcome of these matters could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition. The outcomes of legal proceedings, claims, and government investigations are inherently unpredictable and subject to significant judgment to determine the likelihood and amount of loss related to such matters. While it is not possible to determine the outcomes, we believe based on our current knowledge that the resolution of all such pending matters will not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition. ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS As a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide information required by this Item.