The quick answer is “yes,” provided they are “reasonable” and provided they do not restrict certain professions that are statutorily protected. It can be difficult for a business to gain a competitive advantage over their competition. Many successful companies rely on trade secrets to create a product or service that is better for consumers than a competitor’s, but if an …
Business Tips: Building Your Business and Avoiding Halting Debt (Pt. 1)
The saying, “It takes money to make money” generally is true. It might be safer to say that it takes some risk to earn some reward. Most who want to start a business in New Mexico are looking to create financial stability, not to acquire insurmountable debt. Therefore, it is crucial not to fall to into the trap of spending …
Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO)
A temporary restraining order (or “TRO”) is a court order that immediately controls or restricts the behavior of one or more parties, temporarily and usually in an emergency, until there’s time to actually have a hearing so the court can evaluate the evidence to determine whether the order should stay in place (usually called an injunction) or cancelled. In order …
Employees’ Discussion of Work Conditions: Including Pay
Do you tell your employees not to discuss their pay with each other? If you do, you are not alone … and you are violating the law. The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 prohibits interfering with employees’ discussion of work conditions, including pay. If you are interested in more information, please contact us at 505-848-8581. In the meantime, this …
Social Media, Private Conversations and Your Business
In the fast-paced world of tweets, Facebook posts, and cell phone cameras, people often post before really thinking. Similarly, what is said in private conversation doesn’t always stay private these days. Recently a ‘private’ conversation between Clippers owner, Donald Sterling, and his girlfriend made big news and became the subject of both news streams and headlines, after a recording of …
Same-Sex Marriage and Business Partnerships
Owning a business with one’s spouse is a common—albeit arguably stressful at times—occurrence. At BLSW, we know that managing legal matters as a partnership—both in marriage and in business—is always easier with a strong and skilled team on your side, and we’re happy to help answer questions that arise with understanding the collaboration of marriage and business. On December 19, …
The Law and Alcohol Based Businesses
Mark Johnston, a California businessman, racked up half a million dollars in gambling debt over the course of two days. That news would likely be upsetting to anyone; however, Mr. Johnston is taking a different approach to dealing with his sky-high debts. His argument is that he should not be held accountable for the debt, and he is suing the …
The Super Bowl Ad Heard ‘Round the Country
When developing a communications and marketing plan for law practices, it’s often said that targeting is much more effective than casting a wide net. Apparently no one told that to personal injury attorney, Jamie Casino. Nobody except people in Savannah, Georgia had ever heard of Jamie Casino prior to the 2014 Super Bowl. But his over-the-top ad, which cost $35,000 …
Trade Secrets – What intellectual property qualifies and how to protect them
The phrase “trade secret” conjures something that might very well be at the center of a plot in the latest John Grisham novel. And while trade secrets should indeed be carefully guarded, the true definition of a trade secret is much more black and white. The term trade secret can be used generally when referencing a variety of intellectual property. …
Employment Contracts – Does your business need them?
Employees are a vital part of your business and naturally you want to hire people you can trust. However, it is also important to have policies in place should employees break this trust through theft or other forms of misconduct. In New Mexico, employees can be hired on an “at-will” basis, meaning their employment can be terminated at any time …
