Tag: Business

Is Your Business Internet-Savvy?

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If you are running a business today, you need a business lawyer who also understands what it means to do business online. In today’s marketplace, the average American spends an incredible 11 hours each day using some form of digital media. There is no question the internet plays a vital role in the success (or failure) of a business.

In years past, doing business online meant registering a domain and putting up a website. Now, it’s not enough to simply maintain an online presence. Today, business owners must work closely with seasoned business lawyers who understand the laws and regulations that govern both cyberspace and the brick and mortar companies that do business there.

Why Understanding the Internet Is Important

Most modern businesses exist in the real world and online. With an online business comes a host of issues you may not have seen coming. For example, does your website use stock images without the proper licensing rights? Are you collecting visitor data without disclosing it in a privacy policy on your site? Even one innocent mass email can violate the CAN-SPAM Act. This is where the help and advice of a knowledgeable business lawyer is invaluable.

Although the laws governing the internet are constantly changing, there are several statutes that frequently coming into play. For example, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act aims to stop website owners from infringing on a copyright owner’s property. The Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy helps individuals and entities involved in disputes over domain names.

Don’t Wait to Speak to a Business Lawyer

Running a business takes a lot of time and money. Many business owners delay contacting a lawyer until they absolutely need one, such as when they receive notice of a lawsuit in the mail or from the hands of a process server. This approach may save you money in the short-term, but it is likely to cost you down the road. By working with an attorney now, you can safeguard your business against potentially costly disputes involving intellectual property, domains, and rules governing commerce conducted online.

California Business Lawyers

Whether your business is new or well-established, it’s never too late to protect what you have worked to build. Safeguard your time and your investment by working with experienced California business lawyers. Call Yee Law Group, PC, PC today at (916) 599-7297 to speak to a knowledgeable business lawyer about the next steps for your business.

Should I Use a Partnership for My New Business?

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When it comes to starting a business, choosing an entity type is one of the first (and most important) decisions you must make. Will your business be a sole proprietorship, or a limited liability company? What about a corporation? These are all popular choices for new businesses. Another popular choice is a partnership. Many of the largest companies in the world – including Google and Microsoft – began as partnerships. Continue reading “Should I Use a Partnership for My New Business?” →

Can Mediation Help Solve Your Business Dispute?

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Traditional lawsuits are designed to be adversarial. And in most cases, “adversarial” translates to high costs and time-consuming court battles. If you want to avoid feeding thousands of dollars into your case, consider mediation as an alternative. Years ago, many lawyers viewed raising the subject of mediation as a concession to defeat. If you had a weak case, you suggested mediation. Today, mediation is championed by most attorneys as a smart, effective way to resolve disputes and preserve important relationships between the parties.

This is especially true in business disputes, where a company’s bottom line can be seriously affected by a protracted court battle. Furthermore, maintaining positive relationships is essential in a wide variety of industries. Here are just a few reasons why mediation may be right for your business dispute:

Creates More Positive Emotions

Because mediation is not an adversarial process, it tends to promote a more positive mental state in its participants. Hostility tends to breed hostility, which is why so many courtroom dramas end with both sides walking away unhappy.

Decreases Frustration

Understandably, many clients become frustrated by lengthy delays that frequently accompany complex litigation. Negotiations can quickly break down when the parties are forced to wait for another side to respond. They submit a proposal or terms to their attorney, who then relays the message to opposing counsel, who in turn informs the other side. Unsurprisingly, this process can take a considerable amount of time, which is intensely frustrating when you’re in the middle of a legal dispute. By communicating your concerns, thoughts, and ideas directly to the other side, you can avoid the miscommunication and delay that plagues traditional litigation.

Puts You in the Driver’s Seat

Mediation puts you in control, which is something you won’t get in a typical legal dispute. This can be incredibly empowering in times when you need it most. When your interests are on the line, it is easy to allow emotion to cloud your judgment, leading you to make bad decisions. Mediation allows both sides to express their concerns, brainstorm ideas for a fair resolution, and walk away with a sense of achievement.

Selling Your Business

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You have worked hard to build your business. Whether you are looking to retire, want to free up some cash, or simply wish to move on to another venture, selling a business is a big step that requires due diligence and careful planning.

If you are considering selling your business, it is critical to work with an experienced business lawyer. There are myriad issues involved in the sale of a business, including potential tax liability, employee concerns, and transactional issues. With this in mind, here are three considerations when preparing to sell your business.

Set (Realistic) Goals

For most business owners, a primary goal in selling a business is generating a profit. If your business is struggling, however, you may be selling to reduce liability. Also, some business owners wish to remain involved after the sale – something more common in family-owned companies. In other situations, an owner is content to cut ties. By determining your goals in advance, you are much more likely to approach the sale strategy and negotiations with clear expectations and a cool head.

Know Your Value

Just as people are sometimes unable to recognize their own faults, so too do business owners occasionally overlook problem areas in their own companies. For this reason, it is important to obtain a comprehensive business valuation. Identifying weak spots early can help you improve or correct them prior to your business hitting the market.

Don’t Go It Alone

As a business owner, you are likely an expert in your particular field. Whether you are in manufacturing, sales, or the service industry, you have a tremendous knowledge base. On the other hand, you are probably not an expert in selling a commercial property or preparing the documents required in a complicated business transaction. If you attempt to handle the sale of your business without professional help and experienced legal counsel, you could end up getting far less than the true value of your business. Worse, you could make a costly and time-consuming error.