Category: Business and Real Estate
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What is PAGA?
PAGA, or the Private Attorneys General Act, was created in 2004 by the California Legislature to allow employees to file lawsuits on behalf of the state for Labor Code violations and then share in the proceeds. It also allowed for an award of attorneys’ fees to the employee’s lawyers. While this gave agency to wronged…
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You might need to file your BOI according to the Corporate Transparency Act.
You might need to file reports revealing the ownership and management of your business if your revenue is under $5 million before January 1, 2025 according to the Corporate Transparency Act. What is the Corporate Transparency Act? The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a new law designed to combat illicit activity such as tax fraud,…
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Skimping on legal services can be the most expensive mistake you make
Free or cheap online legal resources can cost you—and the price isn’t just monetary. Business owners beware: What seems like a quick shortcut could steer you into legal headaches and financial pitfalls. We’ve seen it over and over. People who cut corners on legal counsel are gambling in a space where the house always wins.…
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The Perils of a Successful Business
Incredible growth and revenue in a business might sound like good news, right? However, as your company grows, so do your liability and legal risk. Growth presents a new set of challenges that leave your business vulnerable to lawsuits, issues with compliance, and unexpected corporate complexity. As your business grows, the issues and opportunities you…
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Why do you need a partnership agreement?
A partnership agreement is crucial if you’re starting a business with someone else. You need a contract that defines this new relationship and the company. However, this is a step that many people skip, simply deciding that they trust their new business partner and they don’t need to have it in writing. This is a…
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Why does your website need a terms of service agreement?
Your website is your company’s window to the world – and, in today’s business environment, it’s arguably more important than any brick-and-mortar storefront might ever be. That means that you need to make sure that you protect it (and everything on it). One of the best tools at your disposal is a terms of service (TOS)…
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How to protect your trade secrets
To stand out from the competition, your business needs to be unique. This is where intellectual property comes in. Trade secrets are an important part of intellectual property. They relate to unique methods, practices, designs and processes. If your trade secrets fall into the wrong hands, then years of hard work can be undone. The…
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What do business owners need to know about AI’s effect on IP?
As a business owner, it’s crucial to protect your intellectual property (IP). You must also ensure you do not infringe on anyone else’s IP rights, as doing so could prove expensive. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems has made this even more challenging. Here’s why: AI learns from existing information AI doesn’t just pluck things out…
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How to protect your company website
Offering goods and services for a competitive price is the cornerstone of any business. This has always been the case, even before the development of the Internet. However, there is no denying that the online realm has changed the way that most businesses operate. In fact, some studies indicate that over 25% of all business activities are…
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Why being proactive about trademarks can make or break a company
Being proactive about trademark protection can have a significant impact on the success and longevity of a company. Trademarks are vital assets that distinguish a business from its competitors and build brand recognition among consumers. There are, ultimately, several reasons why being proactive about trademark protection can make or break a company. As a result, business owners…
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How to protect your brand from “brandalism”
Brandalism is a term used to describe the intentional defacement or alteration of a brand’s logo, tagline or other visual identity elements. This can be done in many ways, such as graffiti, unauthorized use of a brand’s logo or parody ads that mock or satirize a company’s marketing campaigns. Brandalism can damage a brand’s reputation,…
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Can your company slogan be protected?
The corporate world is competitive and your business is always looking for ways to get ahead and stay ahead. You have fair prices, quality goods and services and an honest reputation. This makes you a favorite among people within your community. Nonetheless, you are always looking to expand and you and your team have recently…
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Why your logo is worth protecting
There are very few markets that remain untapped. This doesn’t mean you cannot succeed in your chosen sector, but it does mean that you need to stand out from the crowd. One of the most simple, yet effective, ways to do this is through your logo. A logo may not sound like a big deal,…
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What should you include in a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)?
Businesses use Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to protect confidential and important information from landing in the wrong hands. Basically, an NDA establishes how two parties (like employers and employees or business partners) will interact with the confidential information. However, for an NDA to be enforceable, it must contain certain elements. Besides naming the parties involved, here…
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Protecting your company against a claim of age discrimination
After looking at your employees, you made the decision to let some of them go. You probably did not even think of this, but the age span of every worker laid off was a broad one. Some were in their thirties and one or two were in their fifties and sixties. You are reading a…
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Protect your intellectual property with these simple methods
An original idea, invention or trade secret can set your business apart, increase its value and give it a competitive edge. However, as your market competition grows, so does the risk of intellectual property (IP) theft. Basically, intellectual property theft happens when your business’ crucial information, ideas, inventions, patents, trademarks and other intellectual property is…
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Non-solicitation agreements can protect your client list
It could take years of networking and relationship-building to create a client list that never fails you. You have a roster of businesses or individuals that want the services or goods that your company has to provide, and these same clients have consistently patronized your business for years. It is only natural to want to…
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How do you deal with a copycat competitor?
There are very few markets that remain completely untapped. This means that whatever line of business you enter, it can be tricky to make it. It’s certainly possible though, with the right methods, technology and branding. These unique components of your business comprise part of your intellectual property. You have ownership rights to this and…
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Protecting a growing business from employee harassment claims
As your company grows, you will need more workers to meet the demand for the services or goods you provide. Increasing demand will eventually mean that you need to hire more workers. Each of those new employees will increase the chances of conflict among your staff members. When you only have a few employees, you…
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Protecting your company logo
The services that your company provides are key to its success. Pricing, quality and timely delivery can all boost your reputation significantly. You’ve also got to think about marketing and branding too. One of the more recognizable aspects of any successful company is its logo. You’ve had your new logo designed, you’re happy with it,…