Tricks of the Trademark
As frivolous lawsuits go, attempts to trademark phrases, sounds, and even numbers can easily stray into the ridiculous. Take, for example, Harley Davidson’s attempt to trademark the sound of their…
It’s a Trap! Nine Legal Quagmires for Entrepreneurs to Avoid
When JJ Abrams' production company Bad Robot recently confirmed that filming for Star Wars Episode VII is officially underway, it got me thinking about the similarities between the wars fought…
Hiring Independent Contractors: Know the Pitfalls
Independent contractors and freelancers, or independent specialists, represent a rapidly expanding category of entrepreneurship. Contractors have specialized skills in a given field and work independently, selling their expertise by the…
The Heart of Any E-2 Application
An experienced immigration attorney in Mesa, Arizona – where there is a great a deal of immigration activity, as you may imagine – contacted us to assist one of his…
Licensing Your Intellectual Property for Fun and Profit
You have a brilliant new invention. Congratulations! But now what? In general, you have two choices: you can build a company, or you can license your concept to another company…
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
A prospective client called recently and asked if we would do a valuation on a small, 8-year-old business that has been profitable and provided a good living for its two…
Crowdfunding Under the JOBS Act – Is It For You?
Most of the hype around the recently enacted JOBS Act (Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act) has focused on crowdfunding. But what is crowdfunding? Is it worth all the hype? Can…
You Can Live and Work in the U.S.
If you are not a U.S. citizen you can legally live and work in the United States as long as you obtain one of the immigrant visas that are available…
The Software Patent Problem
I always advise software startups to file patents to protect their “secret sauce” from competitors, and to increase their valuation. The good news is that a patent can scare off…
Five Legal Traps Every Entrepreneur Should Avoid
Although every startup is unique, there are certain common avoidable mistakes that can lead to legal complications which jeopardize the long-term success of the business. I’m not suggesting that every…