Trademark Specimen
October 5, 2011 by
The timeline for a registering a trademark can sometimes be lengthy. Although it seems like a fairly simple process to undertake, failure perform every obligation can result in lengthy delays or even abandonment of the registration process altogether. Many trademark registrants attempt to register a mark on their own, without the help of an attorney,
Pros and Cons of Delaware Entity Formation
September 15, 2011 by
The state of Delaware has gained great notoriety as the premier place for entity formation in the United States. Many business owners often hear that “Delaware is the place to be,” but do not exactly know why the state has this reputation. This article will discuss a few reasons for and against Delaware entity formation.
The S Corporation: Myths, Advantages, and Disadvantages
July 25, 2011 by
When new companies start, one of the first decisions they make is the form of entity the new business will take. Often the choice comes down between a corporation and an LLC. Because corporations have double taxation, if the corporate entity is chosen, the new business owner often wants to make an S corporation election
Employee or Independent Contractor: The Importance of Employment Classification
June 28, 2011 by
When companies need worked performed, many business owners may think it easier and less expensive to classify the worker as an independent contractor as opposed to classifying them as an employee. Employment classification can have important financial and tax implications. But one needs to be sure that the employment classification is correct or they may
Timeline for Trademark Registration
May 20, 2011 by
For those unfamiliar with the process, applying for and actually registering a trademark can be a long and sometimes complex game of wait-and-see. There are many factors that can shorten or lengthen the time it takes to successfully register a trademark such as: the trademarkability of the “mark”; the expedience in response to Office Actions;
Forgiving Our Trespassers BEFORE They Trespass Against Us
May 9, 2011 by
When drafting a settlement agreement or an agreement that terminates the service and business relationship between the parties, one or both parties may also want a provision that provides a full release from all current, future, and even unknown future claims. Having this type of waiver is desirable because it gives the parties closure and
Offering a California Franchise…by Accident
April 10, 2011 by
Offering or selling a franchise can be a complex undertaking. The offer or sale of a franchise is governed by the individual state. However, a Uniform Franchise Disclosure Document (UFDD), formerly called an offering circular, which is required in California, is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission. California has three main statutes that control franchises:
Davis-Stirling Act Seller Disclosure Requirements: What the HOA & Seller Must Tell You Before You Join Their Club
March 22, 2011 by
California’s Davis-Stirling Act took effect in 1986. This Act serves as the governing laws of “Common Interest Developments.” According to the Act, a “Common Interest Development” (CID) means any type of: Community Apartment Project; Condominium Project; Planned Development; or Stock Cooperative Thus, if you are thinking of buying a home or condo governed by a
Shh! It’s A Secret: When & Why You Need a Non Disclosure Agreement
February 8, 2011 by
A Non Disclosure Agreement is an agreement between two parties where one or both of the parties promises not to disclose confidential information that is exchange during the dealings between the two parties. There are numerous scenarios in which an NDA is desirable. A company may want to keep an employee or independent contractor from
The Fictitious Business Name: A Business By Any Other Name Still Just as Liable?
January 6, 2011 by
Many people have heard of the term “fictitious business name” and may have even unknowingly conducted business with one. This article will discuss what it is, some of its requirements, and some of its benefits and downfalls. From its name, it sounds like a fictitious business name may be illegal or fraudulent. However, it is