How to resolve business disputes without over-spending on legal fees. Arbitration is an adjudication process that may not be well understood by many business people. While it is generally intended to be a cost efficient, expeditious and less combative alternative to court litigation, this is not always the case. However, a knowledgeable attorney can analyze…

Government Incentives and Targeted Marketing Make State or City Certification a “No Brainer” for Qualified Small Companies. Starting during the Civil Rights efforts in the 1960s, federal, state and local governments have enacted laws to encourage governments and main stream companies to do business with companies that are owned, controlled and operated by members of…

Protect Your Trademark Without Breaking the Bank  We often get calls from business owners with questions like: “I was told that I should trademark my company’s name…what should I do?” or “I was told that before I pick a name for my new company, I should hire someone to do a trademark search…is that true?”…

ABC’S OF SELLING OR BUYING A PRIVATELY OWNED BUSINESS: An Outline for Every Seller and Buyer PART I:     PRE-CONTRACT CONSIDERATIONS This is the first of three Newsletters that address the process of buying or selling a privately held business: I.      Pre-Contract Considerations II.    The Contract of Sale III.  The Closing and Post-Closing Considerations I.      Pre-Contract…

PART II:    CONTRACT OF SALE This is the second of three Newsletters that address the process of buying or selling a privately held business: I.      Pre-Contract Considerations II.    The Contract of Sale III.  The Closing and Post-Closing Considerations The Contract of Sale In this Newsletter we address the following subjects that are often covered in…

This is the third of three Newsletters that address the process of buying or selling a privately held business. The first two installments were: I.      Pre-Contract Considerations II.    The Contract of Sale PART III:  THE CLOSING AND POST-CLOSING CONSIDERATIONS In this Newsletter we address the following subjects concerning the process of closing a purchase/sale transaction…

I.          Why a Website Needs “Terms of Service.[1]” Websites may be broken down into two basic types: (1) static and (2) interactive. Static websites are those where “users” can browse the website for information, but have no other interaction with the website or its owner. However, interactive websites enable users to interact with the website…

I.          Limited Liability. Most business owners believe that their personal wealth is safe from business creditors when they conduct their business through a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC). Both types of companies can, when properly used, protect the owners and/or related companies from claims asserted by a company’s creditors. This protection is particularly…

Most every business owner will acknowledge that his or her equity in that business is a valuable and important asset. Many cannot honestly tell you, however, that they regularly evaluate and take active steps to legally protect the ownership of that asset. A well planned and current agreement among the owners is a most important…