Who Owns a Copyright?

December 1st, 2023 - Category: Intellectual Property and New Technologies

The creator of any original work, whether it be a song, poem, or painting, usually holds a copyright in that work under the Copyright Act of 1976. A copyright is a legal right that gives the holder a group of exclusive rights over the work and how it is used. [...]

How to Send a Letter

November 17th, 2023 - Category: General Business Documents

Sending a letter is a traditional and reliable means of communication that, even in the internet age, is still commonly used today. Whether it is a personal letter, a formal business document, or any other type of correspondence, following the right steps ensures your letter reaches its intended recipient in a timely and secure manner. [...]

How to Notarize a Document

November 15th, 2023 - Category: General Business Documents

Getting a document notarized is a straightforward process that involves having a notary public confirm your identity and witness your signature on a document. Notarization is often required for various legal and financial documents to ensure their authenticity and to deter fraud. [...]

How to Get your Debtor to Pay

May 4th, 2023 - Category: General Business Documents

Having a debtor that refuses to pay isn't just a headache: it can be a major financial loss, especially for a creditor with multiple loans out. Being a "creditor" doesn't have to mean that you are a big business that's constantly giving out money, it can be as simple as being the type of person who loans friends and family money for items that they may need. [...]

Leasing a Commercial Space: Find the Best Fit for your Business

April 23rd, 2023 - Category: Commercial Real Estate

For most business owners, at some point during the life of their business, they will probably find it necessary to evaluate the terms and conditions of a Commercial Lease while trying to secure a space from which they can operate the business. Commercial leases are much more subject to negotiation and pitfalls than residential leases, which are more tightly regulated in most states. [...]

Top Ten Essential Elements of a Commercial Lease

April 23rd, 2023 - Category: Commercial Real Estate

Once a business owner finds an appropriate commercial real estate space in which they can conduct their business, it is essential that the landlord and the business tenant formally spell out their landlord/tenant relationship using a Commercial Lease Agreement. The lease should include descriptions of how long the lease will run, how much rent will be paid, and other important elements of the deal that will be binding on both of the parties. [...]

Frequently Asked Questions about Business Partnerships

April 23rd, 2023 - Category: Business Structure

A partnership is a business arrangement between two or more individuals that have not filed papers with their state to become a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation. A partnership is a very popular business arrangement since it is the simplest and least expensive way to create and maintain a business structure. [...]

Going out of Business: Ending or Dissolving a Partnership

April 23rd, 2023 - Category: Business Structure

A partnership is one of the most common forms of business because it is a simple and inexpensive way to create a business structure. However, even in the best of circumstances, partners can find themselves dealing with unanticipated issues that require them to terminate the partnership, known as dissolution or dissolving, or for one of the partners to withdraw from the partnership itself. [...]

Working Together: A Comprehensive Guide to Business Collaborations

April 23rd, 2023 - Category: Business Structure

In the often cutthroat and highly competitive world of business, small businesses frequently find themselves at a disadvantage due to their small size. One way small businesses can increase their capacity and gain an advantage over their competition is by combining forces with another business. [...]

Building Better Businesses: an Exploration of the Strategic Alliance

April 23rd, 2023 - Category: General Business Documents

Small businesses often have trouble finding traction in the marketplace, especially when they're first getting started, due to limited resources and capacity. However, one major way small businesses can increase their capacity and gain an advantage over their competition is by combining forces with another business. [...]

Building Better Businesses: an Exploration of the Joint Venture

April 23rd, 2023 - Category: General Business Documents

There are many different ways companies can choose to come together and collaborate for achieving the purpose of a common goal. For some companies that want an arrangement that is more formal than a strategic alliance but do not wish to completely surrender their autonomy over their existing business, a joint venture is often the best approach. [...]

Building Better Businesses: an Exploration of the Business Merger

April 23rd, 2023 - Category: Business Structure

There many different ways businesses can work together to become more successful and corner the market, beating out the competition. For businesses that want to make a major change, they can engage in a business merger wherein two businesses merge to become one. [...]

What are Articles of Organization for an LLC?

June 18th, 2021 - Category: Business Structure

If you are new to owning your own business, you may be feeling lost about all of the different legal requirements you need to meet. If you've never worked in a small business, or never been exposed to the information you might need to open your own business, it can be challenging to figure out what's what. [...]

What is the Difference Between a Promissory Note and Loan Agreement?

June 18th, 2021 - Category: Commercial Activity

It's likely you've made or received a loan at some point in your life. Even if you've never signed a formal document stating as much, you have probably granted a friend or family member's request to let them borrow a few bucks. [...]

How to Sell your Percentage in an LLC

June 18th, 2021 - Category: General Business Documents

A limited liability company, or LLC, is an attractive form of business for many individuals and small companies. This is because a limited liability company allows for the possibility of rapid growth, while ensuring the owners of the LLC remain protected from personal liability. [...]

What is the Difference Between Articles of Organization for an LLC and an LLC Operating Agreement?

June 18th, 2021 - Category: Business Structure

Starting a small business can be one of the best things you can do for your life and your career. Often, starting a business is incredibly fulfilling because you get to call all the shots. [...]

A Complete Guide to Non-Disclosure Agreements

June 18th, 2021 - Category: General Business Documents

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (which is also sometimes known as a Confidentiality Agreement) is an absolute necessity in many business relationships. In fact, it is one of the key protective measures you can take when entering into new business relationships, especially when you have valuable information you'd like to protect. [...]

What should you do if Someone is Infringing on your Intellectual Property?

June 18th, 2021 - Category: Intellectual Property and New Technologies

Intellectual property, or "IP," is everywhere you look. In fact, these days, much of a business's worth is in its intellectual property. [...]

How to Sell your Business

June 17th, 2021 - Category: General Business Documents

Selling a business can be an exciting prospect - especially if you are selling it because it is worth more than when you started it! Many people also sell businesses because they are moving on to newer, bigger projects. [...]

What are the most Important Provisions for your Corporate Bylaws?

May 18th, 2021 - Category: Business Structure

Corporate Bylaws are essential "rules" for how a corporation must operate. These documents are extremely important in the life of a corporation - in fact, often, disputes in corporations can be decided based on what the "rules," or Bylaws, state. [...]

What your Small Business should Know about Data Privacy in the U.S.

May 11th, 2021 - Category: Intellectual Property and New Technologies

Operating a small business in the United States used to be about just getting up and running, making your customers happy, and growing for the long term. Although operating a business is still about that in the U. [...]

How to Register A Trademark

January 20th, 2021 - Category: Intellectual Property and New Technologies

Usually, the idea of registering a trademark is exciting. People generally take this step when they are at the start of a new venture - often when they are opening a new business. [...]

Important Clauses to Review before Signing A Service Agreement

December 16th, 2020 - Category: Commercial Activity

If you are a service provider who has many different clients, it's likely you've signed a Service Agreement before. If you are an individual or have a small business without permanent employees, you may hire service providers a lot. [...]

When do I Need a Model Release Form?

December 16th, 2020 - Category: Intellectual Property and New Technologies

If you are a photographer or videographer who has used other people in your work, chances are you've heard of a Model Release Form. If you are a new artist, you may know that you require specific documentation from the individuals you use in your work, but aren't sure exactly what that documentation is supposed to be. [...]

How to Legally Protect yourself when Hiring Service Providers

December 16th, 2020 - Category: Commercial Activity

At some point in our lives, we will all hire a service provider. In fact, you may already have hired a service provider without really thinking about it. [...]

How to Form an LLC

December 16th, 2020 - Category: Business Structure

Starting a business is very exciting. Most people that start businesses have had their ideas for their company in their heads for a long time. [...]

What is the Enforceability of Non-Competes in my State?

October 31st, 2020 - Category: General Business Documents

These days, if you work for a private employer, especially one that might be running an internet business (as so many of us are), you might have been asked to sign a Non-Compete Agreement. It's become so commonplace and easy for people to steal intellectual property and client/customer information from others that most savvy business owners with information to protect have started to ask employees and potential employees to sign Non-Competes. [...]

How to Protect your Business Secrets

October 30th, 2020 - Category: General Business Documents

Starting and operating a business can be one of the most fulfilling things on earth! Especially when you may have been building towards owning your own business for a long time, finally getting to do so is often very rewarding. [...]

What's the Difference Between a Non-Compete Agreement and a Non-Disclosure Agreement?

October 30th, 2020 - Category: General Business Documents

Among business owners, there is often some confusion as to the difference between Non-Compete Agreements (often just called "Non-Competes") and Non-Disclosure Agreements (often just called "NDAs"). Although these two documents can both be essential for a business, they are quite different. [...]

Important Considerations before Asking an Employee to Sign a Non-Compete Agreement

October 30th, 2020 - Category: General Business Documents

It's become quite common for employers to ask their employees to sign Non-Compete Agreements, especially in the age of the internet where information travels quickly and jobs may only last a few weeks to months. A question for employers to consider, however, is the following: are all of these Non-Compete Agreements enforceable and effective? [...]

How to Transfer Business Ownership

October 27th, 2020 - Category: Business Structure

Owning, or being part of, a business can be great. Having a piece of the pie in any successful business, whether that means full ownership or just owning some interest, can be very financially rewarding. [...]

How to Choose the Best Legal Structure for your Business

October 27th, 2020 - Category: Business Structure

Deciding on a specific type of legal structure when you've just started your business journey can be complicated. It's hard to know exactly what the differences are, how the different structures can benefit you, and what any risks might be. [...]

What's the Difference Between an Employee and an Independent Contractor?

October 27th, 2020 - Category: Human Resources and Employment Law

Work culture in the United States has been rapidly changing over the past several years. Because of this, many companies are choosing to create a workforce based on what works for them, rather than the traditional model of employment. [...]

Important Considerations for your Employment Agreement

October 19th, 2020 - Category: Employment Contracts

Employment Agreements are common these days, especially for salaried, high-level roles. Often, there are too many specific terms that need to be included to utilize just an offer letter without other written documentation. [...]