Shawn Ryan Lawsuit, Taran Butler’s Breach of Contract Case Dismissed in 2020—What Happened and Why It Still Matters

Shawn Ryan, the Navy SEAL veteran behind Vigilance Elite, faced a breach of contract lawsuit filed by firearms instructor Taran Butler in April 2019. The Los Angeles Superior Court dismissed the entire case on October 15, 2020. Here’s what the lawsuit alleged, why it failed, and what you need to know about contract disputes in business partnerships.

What Was the Shawn Ryan Lawsuit About?

On April 22, 2019, Taran Butler and Taran Tactical Innovations filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Shawn Ryan, Jon Howard, and Vigilance Elite in Los Angeles County Superior Court under Case No. 19STCV13838.

The lawsuit centered on a 2017 agreement. Butler claimed Ryan and Howard violated their contract by using Butler’s name and likeness in Vigilance Elite marketing materials without permission. Butler also alleged defamation through false and misleading statements.

Who Are the Parties in This Lawsuit?

Taran Butler runs Taran Tactical Innovations, a high-end firearms training facility in Simi Valley, California. He trained actors like Keanu Reeves for the John Wick films and built a reputation as one of the world’s top competitive shooters.

Shawn Ryan (also known as Sean Palmisano) is a former Navy SEAL and CIA contractor who founded Vigilance Elite, a Florida-based tactical training company. Ryan’s YouTube channel features interviews with military veterans and tactical training content.

The Partnership: In 2017, Butler and Taran Tactical entered into a contract with Ryan and Howard to provide training and equipment to Vigilance Elite. The agreement gave Butler approval rights over any marketing materials using his name or image.

What Did Butler Claim Ryan Did Wrong?

Butler’s lawsuit made three primary allegations:

Breach of Contract: Ryan and Howard breached the contract by using Butler and Taran Tactical’s names and likeness in marketing materials without their permission. The unauthorized marketing allegedly implied Butler endorsed Vigilance Elite when he didn’t.

Defamation: Butler claimed Ryan and Howard made false statements that damaged his professional reputation.

Intentional Interference: The lawsuit alleged Ryan’s actions interfered with Butler’s business relationships and economic opportunities.

This type of dispute is common in business partnerships. When partners split or disagree about marketing rights, breach of contract lawsuits often follow. The key issue becomes proving the contract was actually violated.

Why Was the Case Dismissed?

The case status shows it was closed with a court-ordered dismissal on October 15, 2020. Court records indicate the dismissal came after an “Order to Show Cause Re: Dismissal of Entire Action for Failure” was issued.

This language suggests the case was dismissed for procedural reasons—likely Butler’s failure to prosecute the case or meet court deadlines. When plaintiffs don’t actively pursue their claims, courts dismiss cases to clear dockets.

The dismissal means no trial occurred. No judge or jury determined whether Ryan actually breached the contract or defamed Butler. The case simply ended without resolution on the merits.

What You Must Know About Business Contract Disputes

Marketing Rights Matter in Partnerships: Every business partnership agreement should explicitly define who can use whose name, image, or brand in marketing. Vague language creates disputes like this one.

Procedural Dismissals Don’t Prove Innocence or Guilt: Just because Butler’s case was dismissed doesn’t mean Ryan was innocent or that Butler lied. It means the case ended without a verdict, often for technical reasons unrelated to the actual dispute.

Contract Disputes Happen Between Former Partners: When business relationships sour, partners often disagree about what the original contract allowed. These disputes become he-said-she-said battles unless the contract language is crystal clear.

What Happened After the Lawsuit?

Both Butler and Ryan continue operating their respective businesses. Ryan’s Vigilance Elite has grown into one of the most popular tactical training channels on YouTube, with millions of subscribers. Butler’s Taran Tactical remains a premier firearms training facility.

Neither party has publicly discussed the lawsuit’s resolution or settlement terms. Court records show no appeal was filed, and the dismissal stands as the case’s final outcome.

What Should You Do If You’re in a Similar Business Dispute?

Document Everything: If a business partner violates your agreement, save emails, marketing materials, and any evidence of unauthorized use of your name or brand.

Review Your Contract: Before threatening legal action, hire a construction litigation lawyer or contract attorney to review whether your contract actually covers the disputed conduct. Many lawsuits fail because the contract doesn’t prohibit what the plaintiff claims.

Consider Mediation: Litigation is expensive and time-consuming. Mediation or settlement negotiations often resolve business disputes faster and cheaper than court battles.

Don’t Miss Deadlines: If you file a lawsuit, actively prosecute it. Missing court deadlines can get your case dismissed regardless of how strong your claims are.

FAQs: Shawn Ryan Lawsuit

What was the Shawn Ryan lawsuit about?

Taran Butler sued Shawn Ryan in 2019 for breach of contract, claiming Ryan used Butler’s name and likeness in Vigilance Elite marketing without permission. The case was dismissed in October 2020.

Did Shawn Ryan lose the lawsuit?

No. The case was dismissed before trial, meaning no verdict was reached. Dismissal doesn’t mean Ryan won or lost—it means the case ended without a decision on the allegations.

What happened between Taran Butler and Shawn Ryan?

Butler and Ryan had a 2017 business partnership involving tactical training. Butler claimed Ryan violated their contract by using Butler’s name in marketing. The lawsuit was filed in 2019 and dismissed in 2020.

Can a dismissed lawsuit be refiled?

It depends on the type of dismissal. If dismissed “with prejudice,” it cannot be refiled. If dismissed “without prejudice,” the plaintiff can refile. Court records don’t specify the dismissal type in this case.

What is Case No. 19STCV13838?

Case No. 19STCV13838 is the Los Angeles County Superior Court case number for Butler Taran et al. vs. Shawn Ryan et al., filed April 22, 2019.

Did Shawn Ryan pay a settlement?

No public records indicate a settlement payment. The case was dismissed, but parties may have settled privately without court-ordered payments.

What is breach of contract in business partnerships?

Breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill their obligations under a written agreement. In business partnerships, this often involves disputes over marketing rights, profit splits, or unauthorized use of intellectual property.

Last Updated: January 31, 2026

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Taran Butler vs. Shawn Ryan lawsuit based on public court records. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on contract disputes.

Bottom Line: The 2019 lawsuit alleged Shawn Ryan breached a business contract with Taran Butler over marketing rights. The case was dismissed in October 2020 before trial, leaving no verdict on the allegations. Both parties continue their separate tactical training businesses.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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