Small Business Laws
Businesses are subject to a wide variety of laws - some federal, some state and some local. Staying on top of how these laws affect your business plans can be a challenge. In these articles, lawyers discuss some of the most important laws that govern businesses.
FindLaw Small Business Laws Articles
- Trademark Law is Important even for Pope Francis
Provided by: Wang, Hartmann, Gibbs & Cauley, P.L.C.
Learn more about trademark law. Read More » - Business succession planning is key in Connecticut
Provided by: Diana, Conti & Tunila, LLP
Succession planning for small and family-owned businesses can be difficult without proper planning.Too often small business owners delay creating a succession plan or rely on outdated agreements with partners. Not only does this make a business transition more difficult, it can harm the owner’s estate beneficiaries or devalue the assets of a business. Read More » - More big businesses flock to boutique law firms, and for good reason
Provided by: Raymond Law Group LLC
While big law firms are cutting back, boutique firms are thriving as efficient operations that offer superior client service. Read More » - Is a promise always a promise? Proving breach of contract
Provided by: Mariniello & Mariniello, P.C. Attorneys at Law
A lawsuit by Donald Trump against comedian Bill Maher raises questions about basic contract law. Proving the existence of and breach of a contract are all in a day's work for business lawyers. Read More » - Creating successful non-compete agreements
Provided by: The Stevenson Law Firm, PC
Non-compete agreements can be helpful in many situations. However, enforcement can be challenging, especially if they are not clearly formulated. Read More » - Protect your trade secrets from competitors’ prying eyes
Provided by: Ansa Assuncao LLP
Competitors may try to reverse engineer or worse—sue—to try to obtain a company’s trade secrets. Learn more about how to protect your secret information and how a business attorney can help. Read More » - The Open Lane acquisition structure: Shareholders’ window for best value
Provided by: Klein & Wilson
Shareholders often have the right to approve a major change in a corporation; however, that right may be diluted with the use of a new acquisition form. Read More » - Rise of prescription drug abuse puts pharmacists in legal jeopardy
Provided by: Law Offices of Paul Chan
As prescription drug abuse continues to rise in California and across the nation, pharmacists’ actions are being scrutinized by state licensing boards as well as local governments. Read More » - Breach of contract claims and remedies
Provided by: Leritz, Plunkert & Bruning, PC
What is a breach of contract and what can one do about it? Read More » - Freeh Report on Penn State Scandal Holds Corporate Governance Lessons
Provided by: The Adanas Law Firm
The Freeh Report is, of course, specific to the Penn State situation, but it does reveal some important basic points about proper corporate governance. Read More » - Netflix Adopts Shareholder-Friendly Poison Pill
Provided by: The Adanas Law Firm
After Carl Icahn announced that he had acquired a 9.98 percent stake in Netflix, the company took steps to protect itself and its shareholders from a corporate takeover. Read More » - Antitrust concerns with Accountable Care Organizations
Provided by: Enterprise Counsel Group, A Law Corporation
Experts in the health care industry have raised concerns about the antitrust implications of ACOs. Read More » - Texas Supreme Court Clarifies Age Discrimination Law
Provided by: Blazier, Christensen, Bigelow & Virr, Attorneys & Counselors at Law
A south Texas school district secretary attempted to file an age discrimination claim earlier this summer, even though the replacement employee was older than herself. Read More » - Saudi Arabia updates arbitration law to resolve more commercial disputes
Provided by: Sally & Fitch LLP
Among the many reforms to international arbitration in 2012, Saudi Arabia overhauled its arbitration law to modernize outmoded practices and lessen the chances that Saudi courts will intervene in arbitrated disputes. Read More » - The law surrounding discharging of fireworks in Indiana
Provided by: Law Offices of John H. Brooke, PC
It is important to make yourself aware of the laws surrounding fireworks, so you can have a safe holiday season and minimize the possibility of a fireworks personal injury claim. Read More » - Report indicates improvement in the business-for-sale market
Provided by: Barker, Leon & Fancher, LLP
A recent report shows improvement in the market for buying and selling businesses. Read More » - Houston ripe for startup entrepreneurs
Provided by: Manfred Sternberg & Associates, PC
In early November 2012, Houston was home to another Startup Weekend that draws aspiring entrepreneurs from a variety of professional backgrounds to brainstorm ideas for new business startups. Read More » - Can you really “lawsuit proof” your small business?
Provided by: Law Offices of James G. Schwartz
Small businesses can help stave off legal issues by working with a skilled business law attorney. Read More » - How to keep your business secrets safe
Provided by: Aeton Law Partners LLP
All companies have information they need to protect. Non-disclosure agreements and non-compete agreements are helpful tools to maintain proprietary information. Read More » - As the patent battle rages on, Apple and Samsung expand their claims
Provided by: Aeton Law Partners LLP
The patent litigation between Apple and Samsung has grown to new proportions with the addition of the iPhone 5 to the list of allegedly infringing products. Read More » - Enforcing Contracts in California: Recovering From Misrepresentation
Provided by: William B. Hanley, Attorney at Law
If one party to a contract is fails to hold up his or her part of the bargain, a breach of contract may have occurred, giving the aggrieved party the right to legal action. Read More » - Franchisee Lawsuit Against Cold Stone Creamery Subject to Arbitration
Provided by: Ansa Assuncao LLP
A group of Cold Stone Creamery franchisees is suing parent company Cold Stone Creamery Inc. over the failure of the franchisor to disclose information about marketing and gift cards. Read More » - Non-Disclosure and Non-Compete Agreements Important Tools for Businesses
Provided by: Ansa Assuncao LLP
Non-disclosure and non-compete agreements can help Florida businesses guard proprietary information. Read More » - Chinese Court Takes a Bite Out of Apple
Provided by: Karlin Law Firm
A Chinese court decision rejected Apple’s claim that Proview was infringing on Apple’s trademark and may open the door to Proview suing Apple for trademark infringement under China’s laws. Read More » - Private Equity Firm's Attempt to Impose Arbitration on Investors Fails
Provided by: Clark, Hunt, Ahern & Embry
Fear of the unknown may have caused a private equity firm to relent on its offering provision requiring shareholders to forego the right to sue. Read More » - Domain Disputes: Intellectual Property and the Internet
Provided by: Lewis & Kappes
A victim of cybersquatting may be able to sue in federal court to transfer the legal right to the domain name. Read More » - Texas A&M Defending 12th Man Trademark Again
Provided by: Leslie Wm. Adams & Associates
Texas A&M has had to defend its "12th Man" trademark from infringement in the past, and the school is facing another legal battle over the use of 12th Man by a Minor League Soccer team. Read More » - What Are Fiduciary Duties?
Provided by: Klein & Wilson
Corporate officers and board members are fiduciaries because they control the day-to-day operations and the overall management of a corporation on behalf of the owners of the corporation — the shareholders. Read More » - South American Oil Nations Rejecting Arbitration Pacts
Provided by: Sally & Fitch LLP
Recent news regarding Argentina and Venezuela has presented some questions about the dependability of international arbitration agreements with parties in Caracas, Buenos Aires and other cities. Read More » - International Chamber of Commerce Implements New Arbitration Rules
Provided by: Sally & Fitch LLP
Earlier this year, the International Court of Arbitration announced a series of new rules intended to cut the costs of alternative dispute resolution and make international arbitration a more competitive option over traditional court proceedings. Read More » - What is the Difference Between a Bench Trial and a Jury Trial?
Provided by: Rome McGuigan, P.C.
Knowing the differences between bench and jury trials, and the benefits and drawbacks of each, is an important part of preparing an effective trial strategy when faced with legal matters. Read More » - Wynn Resorts Embattled in Lawsuit With Former Shareholder
Provided by: Tinley, Nastri, Renehan & Dost, LLP
Wynn Resorts, Ltd. and its once-largest stockholder are involved in an ongoing lawsuit over shares which Wynn forcibly redeemed earlier this year. Read More » - California Solar Projects Could Power Up After Bankruptcy Case
Provided by: The Lobel Firm, L.L.P.
A California solar energy company's projects could continue following Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Read More » - Utah Investment Fraud Scheme Gains Another Defendant
Provided by: Ascione & Associates, L.L.C.
Federal charges were filed against the Utah associate of an indicted Ponzi scheme operator. Read More » - Antitrust Violator, Thriving Business, Can Appear Similar to Authorities
Provided by: Boyd Contreras LLP
Is your business accused of unfair competition? Even successful, lawful businesses can look like they are breaking antitrust laws. Learn more from Boyd Contreras, LLP. Read More » - Be on Guard Against the Antitrust Violator in Today’s Cutthroat Economy
Provided by: Boyd Contreras, LLP
What is antitrust? What should a business do if it believes it is the victim of unfair competition? Learn more from Boyd Contreras, LLP. Read More » - House Passes Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2011
Provided by: Clark, Hunt, Ahern & Embry
Summary of the proposed Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2011 and how it benefits small businesses. Read More » - Breach of Contract Claims in New Jersey: Available Damages
Provided by: The Law Office of Philip B. Vinick
Contracts are an integral part of life and business. A contract is formed when we purchase a bottle of water, and complex agreements govern how major corporations do business with one another. However, when one party fails to live up to a contract's terms, then serious damages could follow. Read More » - Early ZPIC Audit Considerations for Health Care Providers
Provided by: Wachler & Associates PC
ZPICs are the new kids on the block in the Medicare audit industry, and anyone in the healthcare field should familiarize themselves with the operation of these contractors. Read More » - Minority Shareholder Oppression: Definition and Remedies
Provided by: Schachter Harris, LLP
Learn more about minority shareholder oppression and the remedies available to minority shareholder from the business litigation lawyers at Schachter Harris, LLP. Read More » - Billion Dollar Patent Lawsuit Brewing Between Oracle & Google
Provided by: Klein & Wilson
In 2010 Oracle Corp. initiated monumental litigation against Google, Inc. Oracle alleges, among other things, that Google’s Android mobile operating system infringes upon its Java patents. Read More » - Home Sweet Home May Be the Best Option for Maryland Business Owners
Provided by: McNamee, Hosea, Jernigan, Kim, Greenan & Lynch, P.A.
Maryland business owners should incorporate in their home state to avoid extra paperwork, taxes and hassle. Read More » - California Dram Shop Liability is Limited, but not Absent
Provided by: Campbell, Lauter & Murphy
“Dram shop” laws impose liability on bars for damages that occur as a result of serving alcohol to someone visibly intoxicated. California’s dram shop law is relatively limited in its application. Read More » - Breach of Contract Claims Between Businesses
Provided by: Boyd Contreras, LLP
Learn more about contract breaches, including whether a breach of contract is "material" and when you can bring a breach of contract claim against another business. Read More » - Regulation D Exemptions Ease Hurdles to Raising Capital
Provided by: Lerman Law Associates, P.C.
Reg. D exemptions allow small businesses to raise capital without registering its securities. Read More » - New York Court Reviews International Arbitration Asset Attachment Issue
Provided by: Sally & Fitch LLP
A recent state appellate court decision in New York provides some good news for businesses involved in arbitrable disputes that want to attach their adversaries' New York assets. Read More » - International Arbitration: Appeals of Decisions in Foreign Courts
Provided by: Sally & Fitch LLP
Business clients must always understand that international arbitration can lead to appellate litigation on foreign shores, and prepare accordingly. Read More » - Increased International Arbitration in American ADR Venues
Provided by: Sally & Fitch LLP
Businesses from distant shores that have millions of dollars at stake in international commercial transactions or joint ventures may need to enlist local counsel to resolve international arbitration disputes. Read More » - Legal Malpractice
Provided by: Klein & Wilson
Sometimes, lawyers do stupid things that mess up their lives. Examples include drinking too much alcohol and getting into a car accident or helping a client orchestrate a Ponzi scheme. More often, it takes the form of something less exciting in the office that may turn out to have malpractice consequences. While talk show hosts and their psychologist guests give advice to mixed-up people who will never pull their lives together, there is much lawyers can do to improve their lives and avoid malpractice. Read More » - The Do's and Don'ts of Closing Arguments
Provided by: Klein & Wilson
There are many different ways to present a closing argument, and each attorney should develop a style that is most comfortable to him or her. However, I have learned there are some elements every attorney should consider including and excluding, regardless of the attorney's style. Read More » - Multimedia: An Unforgettable Trial Presentation
Provided by: Klein & Wilson
Jurors watch television, use computers, and play video games, all of which have eye-catching colors and fast moving information. Few jurors receive information simply by listening. Nevertheless, most trial attorneys continue to present their cases purely through one medium -- their mouth. Properly presented multimedia trials are not only effective, they can make the difference between winning and losing. This is because multimedia helps jurors stay focused and remember what they viewed. Read More » - Mock Trials - One of the Most Powerful Tools for Case Evaluation and Trial Preparation
Provided by: Klein & Wilson
The part of the trial many attorneys dislike the most is waiting for a verdict. We wonder if the jurors liked our client. Did we pick the right jurors? Did they understand the closing argument? Do they know how to complete the jury verdict form? Did we ask for too much money? Are we going to win? When attorneys have the luxury of conducting a mock trial, most of these questions (and more) get answered before the real trial ever starts. This article explores the modern approach to mock trials and how many law firms are using them to great advantage, not only to assist with case evaluation and trial preparation, but sometimes even to settle cases. Read More » - Creating a Masterpiece: the Art of Direct Examination
Provided by: Klein & Wilson
While everyone enjoys preparing final argument, the foundation of any compelling final argument comes from the key building blocks - direct examination and cross-examination. Understanding how to create riveting direct examination and devastating cross-examination is the key to winning any trial. This article helps trial lawyers understand how to develop direct testimony so it is compelling and memorable to jurors. Read More » - Ongoing Arbitration for Mobil Oil Over Venezuelan Assets
Provided by: Sally & Fitch LLP
Mobil Corporation’s claims in international arbitration against Venezuela's national oil company raises issues common to all commercial transactions that cross borders. Read More » - International Centre for Dispute Resolution
Provided by: Sally & Fitch LLP
In a global economy where alternative dispute resolution is becoming more common, the ICDR provides an increasingly important forum for resolving international business disputes. Read More » - Supreme Court Term Includes Several Business Cases
Provided by: Raymond & Bennett LLC
Several business-related cases appear on the docket for the U.S. Supreme Court, continuing the recent trend of the Roberts’ Court. Read More » - No Bluff: Texas' Full Tilt Poker Accused of Tortious Interference
Provided by: John McDuff, Attorney at Law
While Texas promotes fair competition between businesses, state law protects contracts made between two or more parties. When a third party interferes with the contract they may be sued for damages. Read More » - Tortious Interference with Business Relations in Texas
Provided by: John McDuff, Attorney at Law
Businesses that employ unfair tactics to interfere with another company's business in Texas may be liable for tortious interference with business relations, a tort under state law. Read More »