Trademark Symbols Explained: ®, ™, and ℠ for Business Owners You spot a small ® next to a company logo. Across the street, another business uses ™ on its sign. Same idea, right? Not quite. These trademark symbols carry very different legal weight, and using the wrong one can weaken your brand protection or even land you in trouble with …
Legal mistakes startup business make: 8 costly pitfalls to avoid
The most common legal mistakes startup business make include selecting the wrong business entity, failing to formalize founder agreements, using generic contracts, and ignoring intellectual property protections. By addressing these foundational legal steps early, founders can prevent costly disputes, avoid regulatory fines, and protect their personal assets from business liabilities. Starting a new company requires balancing product development, marketing, and …
How to Avoid Deceptive Advertising Claims in Business
How to Avoid Deceptive Advertising Claims: A Guide for Business Owners Businesses depend on strong marketing to attract customers and grow revenue. But when advertising crosses the line from persuasive to misleading, the legal and financial fallout can be serious. A single ad, sales script, website claim, or pricing promotion can lead to customer complaints, regulatory scrutiny, lawsuits, chargebacks, and …
Why NM Small Businesses Fail (And How to Avoid It)
Starting a company in the Land of Enchantment is a thrilling venture. With a rich culture and a fiercely loyal local customer base, the state offers plenty of room for innovation. Yet, if you’ve ever wondered exactly why New Mexico small business fail and how to avoid it, you certainly aren’t alone. According to the 2024 SBA New Mexico Small …
Sending a Trademark Cease & Desist Letter: What to Know
Quick answer: Sending a trademark cease and desist letter is the critical first step to stopping unauthorized use of your brand’s name, logo, or slogan. Business owners should send this formal warning immediately upon discovering infringement to prevent brand dilution, avoid costly federal litigation, and protect their exclusive intellectual property rights. You spent countless hours and significant resources building your brand. …
How to Prepare Your Business for a Successful Sale.
TL;DR: Preparing your business for a sale requires organizing 3 to 5 years of financial records, obtaining a professional valuation, and resolving pending legal disputes. Business owners must also formalize operational procedures and secure intellectual property to survive buyer due diligence and maximize the company’s final purchase price. Selling a business stands as one of the most significant financial and …
What Happens When You Sell Your Name?-The Hidden IP Risks of Business Sales
Selling Your Business Name? Know the IP Risks First When your personal name is also your business name, selling that business may mean permanently surrendering the right to use your own name commercially. Understanding the intellectual property risks of selling a business name—before you sign—can protect your identity, your future ventures, and your earning potential. Building a business from the …
Do You Owe Your Law Firm a 1099? A Guide for Businesses
Tax season often brings a flurry of paperwork, and for business owners, keeping track of reporting requirements is crucial. One area that frequently causes confusion is payments made for legal services. You might assume that because your law firm is a corporation, you don’t need to send them a Form 1099. However, the rules for legal services are unique. Understanding …
Don’t Let Fine Print Sink Your Business
A compelling offer can make it easy to overlook the details. For business professionals, this is a daily reality. Whether it’s a partnership agreement, a client contract, or a major purchase, the headline figures are designed to catch your eye. But the real value—and the real risk—is often buried in the fine print. A high-profile recruitment campaign from the Department …
Gen AI and Copyright: Navigating the New IP Frontier
Generative artificial intelligence has exploded from a niche concept into a mainstream business tool. Companies are using AI to draft marketing copy, design products, write code, and create stunning visual art. This technology promises unprecedented efficiency and innovation. However, it also opens a legal Pandora’s box, leaving creators and businesses grappling with fundamental questions about copyright law. Who owns an …
