Opinion ID: 757350
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Promissory or Equitable Estoppel

Text: 28 To prevail on the state law claim of promissory estoppel, Mark VII must establish that: (1) there was a clear and definite promise (2) which the promisor intended to induce reliance and reliance was induced (3) and the promise must be enforced to prevent injustice. Ruud v. Great Plains Supply, Inc., 526 N.W.2d 369, 372 (Minn.1995). To prevail on the claim of equitable estoppel, Mark VII must show that Guinness made representations or inducements upon which Mark VII reasonably relied that will cause Mark VII harm if estoppel is not applied. Bethesda Lutheran Church v. Twin City Constr. Co., 356 N.W.2d 344, 349 (Minn.Ct.App.1984). Mark VII has not established the existence of any promises made by Guinness which were intended to induce reliance by Mark VII. The expansion of Mark VII's business in order to distribute D & G products was undertaken in reliance upon the distribution agreement with Labatt. Since Labatt supplied D & G products to Mark VII prior to Labatt's termination of the distribution agreement, Mark VII had never relied on Guinness to supply the product. Because Mark VII has not established the existence of any promises, representations, or inducements made by Guinness, an essential element of the estoppel claims is absent.