View Post

Sour Grapes. When Similar Names Create Confusion

In Business Tips, Copyright, Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property, Trademarks by Ben AlbrightLeave a Comment

Stag’s Leap Wine vs. Stags’ Leap: A Tale of Two Wineries Stag’s Leap Wine, product of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars rose to prominence in 1973 when it competed against wines around the world in the Judgement of Paris and won. At the time it came as a shock that an American wine could compete against a French wine. This …

View Post

What is the Supplemental Register for Trademarks?

In Business Tips, Intellectual Property, Intellectual Property, Trademarks by Kameron KramerLeave a Comment

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has two registers for trademarks: supplemental and principal. The supplemental register is reserved for descriptive, surname, and geographical marks that do not qualify for the principal register. Ideally you will be on the principal register, but sometimes, you are asked to be on the supplemental register. You can make arguments against the …

View Post

6 Traps to Avoid When Starting a Business

In Business Tips by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

Attorney Ian Alden hosts this informative workshop that anyone starting a business should view. From the pitfalls that come from negotiating bad leases, to forming your company incorrectly, Ian’s advice just might keep your business, in business! Watch the video here. Contact  Business Law Southwest today to discuss all of your business law issues. Business Law Southwest. Business law that makes business sense.

View Post

What Is Personal Liability? (And How To Avoid It)

In Business Tips, Contracts, Corporate Formation, Dispute Resolution, Litigation & Lawsuits, LLC Formation by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

By using LLCs, Corporations, and Insurance to your advantage, you can avoid personal liability. Forming a new business is not enough. Business owners need to engage in a daily practice of proper banking practices, utilizing insurance and proper internal policies to avoid personal liability for company obligations. This workshop is full of helpful hints to keep a business owners’ personal …

View Post

Businesses and Cybercrime

In Business Tips by Ben AlbrightLeave a Comment

In the increasingly digital age, cybercrime poses a greater threat to businesses than ever before. When engaging in online business, there is always the risk for cybercrime. CryptoLocker CryptoLocker became a well-known ransomware after being unleashed on September 5, 2013. The attack continued to spread through email attachments until the end of May 2014. The malware functioned by displaying a …

View Post

Cannabis Licenses in New Mexico

In Business Tips by Julianna Donahue2 Comments

Save draftPreviewPublishAdd title With the recent legalization of recreational cannabis in New Mexico, its time to start thinking about what kind of cannabis business you want to form. One of the first (and most important) steps to do this is to get your license. The state of New Mexico’s Cannabis Control Division outlines 10 different kinds of business licenses for …

View Post

Starting a Cannabis Business in New Mexico?

In Business Tips by Ben Albright6 Comments

Here are some important issues to consider. Recreational cannabis is legal in New Mexico and the state government is currently working to set out regulations to begin legal sales. At the latest, recreational sales will begin on April 1, 2022. So, what do cannabis entrepreneurs need to know as New Mexico moves to open a legal cannabis market? The Federal …

View Post

What Do New Mexico Businesses Need to Know About Accepting Credit Card Payments for CBD Products?

In Business Tips by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

Recitational Cannabis is now legal in the state of New Mexico. As many entrepreneurs’ look to the Land of Enchantment for a jumping off point into what may well prove to be a lucrative venture, BLSW is circling in the experts to help give business owners the “right” information. Ginger Hollowell, owner of Electronic Money Company has been providing merchant services for …

View Post

What are the Differences Between Paid Time Off, Sick Days, and Vacation?

In Business Tips, Employment Law by Ben AlbrightLeave a Comment

Different companies have different approaches to paid time off (PTO). Some companies have a blanket policy of PTO which provides employees with a set number of days off which they can use for any purpose. Other companies provide paid time off into sick days and vacation days. Offering simple PTO and allowing employees to determine how to use it is …

View Post

Learn How To Outmaneuver a Cybercriminal

In Business Tips by Kristy DonahueLeave a Comment

Do you use a computer in your business? How about point of sales systems or credit card machines? Do you store customers’ personal information on any electronic devices? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, your business is in need of Cybersecurity. Let’s face it, doing business today means that it is important to make cybersecurity a priority …