Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Can an Email become a Binding Contract?
While most people consider email to be a form of informal communication, there are times where message exchanges can contain proposed agreements and offers. There is a misconception that just because a document isn’t signed, it’s not a binding contract and neither party can be held to the agreement. However, there may be instances… Read More »
What to know about Adding a DBA to Your Business
Some businesses want to do business under a name that differs from their true legal name, and that is where adding a DBA, or trade name, comes into play. What is a Trade Name? A trade name is essentially any name that you use in your business operations that differs from the full legal… Read More »
Transfer of Copyright Ownership
If you’ve wondered whether a copyright can be transferred to someone else, the answer is yes. Copyrights are important, especially to small businesses, as they allow an author to create original works without the concern that it will be stolen by someone else. You can register your copyright to make it easier to protect,… Read More »
Mistakes Small Business Make When Choosing a Trademark
When starting your small business, one of the most important elements is establishing your trademark(s). This is a critical element, as your trademark identifies your brand. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) defines a trademark as “a word, phrase, symbol and/or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of… Read More »
Overview of Small Estate Probate in Washington DC
For individuals who died after April 26, 2001, and whose assets didn’t exceed $40,000, a small estate probate proceeding is an alternative to standard probate. Opening a small estate proceeding allows the court to appoint a personal estate representative to settle claims and make a distribution of assets. These types of proceedings are typically… Read More »
Nationwide Immigration Raid Results in 21 Arrests
According to various media reports, U.S. Immigration officials conducted a nationwide raid of 7-Eleven stores on January 10, 2018, which resulted in the arrest of 21 people believed to be in the country illegally. It’s the biggest immigration crackdown in recent years, with agents targeting nearly a hundred stores between California and New York,… Read More »
Situations Where You Need a Business Lawyer
Some people assume retaining an attorney is only necessary in matters involving car accidents, medical malpractice, or pending criminal charges. However, business lawyers make up a large segment of practicing attorneys, and for good reason. There are a number of instances where retaining a business lawyer is absolutely essential. Our legal team has experience… Read More »
Vicarious Liability and What it Means as a Small Business Owner
As a small business owner, you already have enough on your plate trying to run a successful business, and ensuring you are in compliance with all laws, including employment and labor laws. If your business employs workers, something else you need to be keenly aware of is vicarious liability and the theory of respondeat… Read More »
Copyrights and Works Made for Hire
The general premise of copyright law is that ownership becomes the property of the author who created it from the moment it’s created. However, there is one exception to this which is known as “works made for hire.” This means the employer can be considered a copyright holder, even if the employee is actually… Read More »
FTC Endorsement Guidelines and Online Influencers
With more and more people making their living through digital methods, the world of online-based businesses is continually expanding. A number of these online businesses are founded by people referred to as online influencers. These are people who are YouTube stars, brand ambassadors, bloggers, writers, authors, social media personalities, and more. The Federal Trade… Read More »
