SOME COPYRIGHT & MISCELLANEOUS LEGAL MYTHS FOR GOOD MEASURE
Myth #1: Posted 4/15/25 “I don't need to register my work with the Copyright Office; all I need to do mail it by myself”. Reality: No, mailing your work to yourself has no legal effect at all. The copyright law in the US is very clear that in order to sue someone in...
SHATTERING TRADEMARK MYTHS FOR NON-INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWYERS (+ SOME COPYRIGHT MYTHS TOO!)
We’ve all heard any number of “Urban Myths”, such as there are alligators living in the sewers in New York City and Little Mikey from the “Life” cereal commercial died because he mixed Coca-Cola with pop rocks. There are plenty of widely-held general legal myths too:...
Thinking of Incorporating Outside California? Here’s Why That Might Not Be the Best Move for Your California-Based Business
If you’re starting a new business in California, one of the first decisions you'll face is where to form your legal entity. It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs to hear that states like Delaware, Nevada, or Wyoming offer “better” benefits—lower taxes, more privacy,...
Contingencies in Business Sales – Case Study: Selling a Construction Business
In the sale of a small business, contingencies are conditions that must be met before the transaction can close. The seller of a business usually has chosen to go to market to sell the business and are focused on finding a buyer who can afford their desired purchase...
Using California’s Business Search Tool: A Smart Starting Point for Small Business Owners
If you’re forming a new California corporation or LLC—or doing business with one—it’s critical to begin with the California Secretary of State’s Business Search tool, found at https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business. This free online resource provides basic...
How California Evidence Code Section 1271 Makes the Case for Good Business Records
As a California business attorney, I often tell clients that good recordkeeping is more than just smart business—it's also a legal asset. One of the clearest examples of this is found in California Evidence Code Section 1271, which governs when business records may be...
Understanding Tariffs: A Practical Primer for Small Business Owners
This article is an apolitical discussion focused solely on practical business concerns. The goal is to help small business owners understand what tariffs are, how they can impact business operations, and what considerations should be made from a legal and operational...
The Statement of Information: A Simple Form with Complex Implications
When it comes to maintaining a California business entity, the Statement of Information is one of the simplest and most routine filings required by the Secretary of State. But despite its simplicity, this form can carry significant legal weight, both in how it...
Understanding Recitals in Contracts: Why They Matter for Your Business
When entering into a contract, whether you're a small business owner or an individual, you want to ensure that all terms are clear, fair, and legally enforceable. While most people focus on the core terms of a contract—such as price, services, and obligations—there’s...
The Importance of Disclosures and Schedules in Small Business M&A Deals
When buying or selling a small business, disclosures and schedules to the purchase agreement play a crucial role in the transaction. Whether structured as an asset purchase or a stock purchase, the details provided in these schedules can significantly impact the...
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