According to the U.S. Small Business Association, small businesses create almost two of every three jobs in the U.S. every year, and half of working Americans are either owners or employees of a small business. The SBA advises entrepreneurs to seek counsel while in the initial phases of getting a business off the ground. As […]
Read MoreMost entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed by all of the decisions that must be made when they are first starting a business. Many of the initial decisions you make can have long-lasting consequences and impact on your ability to grow, so you want to get it right! Below are a few tips to consider when launching your […]
Read MoreWhile there is no such thing as a business with no risk, most savvy business owners look for ways to mitigate risk as much as possible. Being aware of these three legal risks will create an understanding for the future of your business. Trusting a verbal or handshake agreement. This is more common early in […]
Read MoreEvery business owner at one time or another needs legal advice. While it may be tempting to turn to the Internet for your legal needs, there are three important instances when you will want to consult with a real live Family Business Lawyer™: Entity Formation When you are ready to start your business, you will […]
Read MoreTerri Kelly, a mother of six who started her “second life” as an entrepreneur designing comfortable flip-flops, did everything right when she launched her company. First, she designed a great product that addressed a market need. She worked tirelessly to get her product into shops, boutiques and local stores. And she trademarked her unique branding […]
Read MoreBefore you consider in a new startup, you should understand that there is quite some distance between a great idea and a great company. As part of your due diligence, perform these reality checks before you spend your savings on starting something new: Are you ready for the entrepreneurial lifestyle? Entrepreneurship is not a get-rich-quick […]
Read MoreEntrepreneurs often make up in enthusiasm what they lack in business experience, but passion alone is not enough to ensure the success of a startup. If you’re starting a new business, you need to watch for the following six legal snares that could potentially sink your startup: Lease agreements. A commercial lease is much different […]
Read MoreWhen you hear the name “Oprah,” you think of one person. Not only because the name itself is so unique, but also because billionaire entrepreneur and media mogul Oprah Winfrey has done such an outstanding job of protecting and promoting her brand. A recent article at Entrepreneur.com examined the legal strategies Oprah has employed to […]
Read MoreBusiness owners should be aware of the difference between choosing a name for a new company and registering a trademark for your business and/or product. The process of choosing a name for a company is necessary when creating a corporation or LLC (limited liability company). Once you have chosen a name, you should check your […]
Read MoreProtecting Your New Business From Trademark Infringement Liability Exposure Choosing a name for your new business is an important decision that could have a major impact on your company’s profitability. Before choosing a name for your business (not necessarily your corporate name, the name of your limited liability company or partnership because those could be […]
Read MoreThe question of whether an employee’s LinkedIn contacts can be considered trade secrets belonging to a former employer is a question currently before a Central California district court. In Cellular Accessories For Less, Inc. v. Trinitas, LLC, defendant David Oakes was a sales account manager for Cellular Accessories for Less, Inc., a company that sells […]
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