Recent Blog Posts
What is an S Corporation?
Choosing the right type of business organization is one of the most important decisions you’ll make professionally. It has long-lasting consequences, and paves the way for your business in a variety of ways, including tax filing, management and operations, and legal status. One of the newer and more popular business types is the S… Read More »
What to Know about Force Majeure Clauses and Contract Law
Force majeure means “superior force” and, in a legal context, it’s a specific clause added to various contracts to address potential unforeseen circumstances that would prevent someone, or a business, from fulfilling their end of a contract. It’s common in meeting contracts and IT service contracts, but it’s often misunderstood and misused. Because force… Read More »
Difference Between a Trade Name and Trademark
When you’re starting a small business in Washington D.C., you can feel overwhelmed trying to understand all the filing requirements, let alone intellectual property laws. Some small business owners mix up the terms “trade name” and “trademark,” which can make a huge difference in legal situations. What is a Trade Name? Basically, a trade… Read More »
Employment Torts Small Business Owners Need to Be Aware of
If you run a small business with just a few employees, you may not be aware there is an entire category of workplace claims that can land you, as the business owner, on the receiving end of a lawsuit. These claims are typically referred to as “employment torts.” These claims are often brought forth… Read More »
Why Use a Living Trust over a Will?
When you’re figuring out estate planning, many people automatically default to thinking about having a will prepared. However, have you thought about a living trust? Do you know the differences and why a living trust may be a better alternative to a standard will? Without either, your estate would likely pass to your spouse… Read More »
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 »
