The best way to analyze a company’s trade secrets (and how well protected they are) is through a formal audit. Here’s an overview of how to do a trade secret audit. (more…)
Filed under: Business, Intellectual Property, Legal Topics | Tagged: confidential information, corporate espionage, trade secret audit, trade secret theft, trade secrets | Leave a Comment »
As with any newborn, one of the first decisions an entrepreneur makes is the business name. But attorneys also have an important role in the naming process. (more…)
Filed under: Business, Legal Topics | Tagged: company name, entrepreneur, new business, trade name, trademark, trademark infringement | 2 Comments »
On February 12, 2013, President Obama signed a long-expected Executive Order titled “Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity.” Here’s a look at what it does and what it covers. (more…)
Filed under: Business, Legal Topics, New Legal Developments | Tagged: computer virus, critical infrastructure, cyber security, cyberattack, cybersecurity, Executive Order, hacking | Leave a Comment »
When love is in the office air, employers should take heed and whip out a love contract! (more…)
Filed under: Legal Topics, Business, Employment Law | Tagged: employees, employers, employment contract, love contract, sexual harassment, workplace relationships, workplace romance | 2 Comments »
You take a business trip and, of course, you want to be reimbursed for your expenses. California law backs you up. Employers: don’t get caught unaware—know the law and have a policy in place that complies with it. (more…)
Filed under: Business, Employment Law, Legal Topics | Tagged: employees, employers, expense documentation, expense reimbursement, wage and hour, work expenses | 4 Comments »
Social networking and social media are increasingly incorporated into the workplace, but not without dangerous issues arising. Employers need to be ready to handle issues relating to social networking that occur during both on- and off-duty hours. (more…)
Filed under: Business, Employment Law, Legal Topics, Social Media | Tagged: employees, employers, employment policies, internet, social media, social media policy | 1 Comment »
Whether employers like it or not, social networking and social media have found their way into most workplaces. Their appearance has meant many potential landmines for employers to navigate. Luckily, there are several relatively easy steps that every employer can take to decrease potential liability. (more…)
Filed under: Business, Employment Law, Legal Topics, Social Media | Tagged: employee handbook, employees, employers, employment policies, internet, passwords, privacy, social media, social media policy, workplace | 2 Comments »
If nothing else, recent natural disasters have shown us the importance of carefully reading insurance policies before we buy them. But many people won’t do that, so that leaves it to attorneys to figure out coverage after disaster strikes. Attorneys faced with this task need an organized approach to determining whether coverage exists. (more…)
Filed under: Business, Legal Topics, Real Property, Tort Law, Young Lawyers | Tagged: insurance companies, insurance coverage, insurance policy, liability insurance | 1 Comment »
The Los Angeles Times calls it “The Green Rush,” referring to the newly-lucrative cultivation of premium marijuana to serve the “discriminating consumers who frequent medical cannabis dispensaries.” California laws permitting medical marijuana have spawned an industry that has moved from remote, clandestine locations to our city centers. But what’s become a boom for growers and sellers is causing a headache for many city regulators. (more…)
Filed under: Business, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Legal Topics, New Legal Developments, Real Property | Tagged: Compassionate Use Act, land use regulation, medical marijuana, medical marijuana dispensaries, Medical Marijuana Program Act | Leave a Comment »
Franchising has had long-term success in the U.S. economy, both for franchisors and franchisees. Franchise businesses aren’t just fast food, either. According to a USA Today article, home health care is one of the top franchises in the US. Although most franchise systems—and most franchisees—are reasonably successful, buying a franchise isn’t always the right decision. As an attorney, your job is to insert some practical reality into your client’s franchise dreams. (more…)
Filed under: Business, Legal Topics | Tagged: franchise business, franchisee, franchisor, small business | 1 Comment »
