litigation

costly, expensive

endless, lengthy, protracted

threatened

pending

ensuing, subsequent

civil, commercial, criminal

be/become/get involved in, be engaged in, conduct, engage in

threaten

avoid

The company decided to settle the dispute quickly to avoid costly litigation.

costs

~ against

The company faced expensive litigation against former employees who claimed they were unfairly dismissed.

~ between

There has been lengthy litigation between the two companies over patent rights.

the cost of litigation, the risk/threat of litigation