Employee vs. Independent Contractor: Legal Differences, Business Risks, and How to Structure the Role You Actually Want Hiring someone to work for your business isn’t just a question of “who”—it’s also a question of how. Whether you classify a worker as an employee or an independent contractor carries major legal, financial, and operational consequences. And […]
5 Surprising Things You Can Copyright (And 5 You Can’t) When most people think of copyright, they imagine books, movies, music, or artwork. But copyright law is broader—and weirder—than many realize. Some unexpected things can be copyrighted, while others that seem original or artistic can’t. Understanding what’s protectable helps business owners, content creators, and brands […]
What Do I Do If Someone Steals My Content or Brand? In today’s digital marketplace, your content, branding, and creative output are some of your most valuable business assets. But with fast-moving online platforms and easy access to digital tools, it’s easier than ever for others to copy your work—sometimes unknowingly, sometimes deliberately. Whether you’re […]
How Do I Respond To A USPTO Trademark Office Action? When applying for a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), it’s common to receive an official communication known as an Office Action. Receiving an Office Action means the examining attorney found issues that prevent your application from immediately moving forward to […]
Starting a Private Practice: FAQs for Healthcare Providers Opening your own private practice is a major milestone for any healthcare professional. Whether you’re a dentist, physician, nurse practitioner, or licensed therapist, owning your practice allows greater autonomy, flexibility, and the opportunity to shape your care model around your values. But launching a practice also means […]
How Do I Respond To A Trademark Office Action From The USPTO? Filing a trademark application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is a big step toward protecting your brand. But it’s not always smooth sailing. Many applicants receive a letter from the USPTO called an “Office Action” — essentially a response from […]
Who Should Be My LLC’s Registered Agent? It’s one of the most overlooked decisions in the business formation process — and one of the most important. Your registered agent isn’t just a formality; they’re the legal point of contact between your business and the state, responsible for receiving official documents, government notices, and even service […]
How Do I Run a Free USPTO Trademark Conflict Search? Navigating the complexities of trademark law can feel daunting, especially for small business owners and entrepreneurs trying to protect their brand identities. The key is to take things one step at a time, and conducting a trademark conflict search is an important early step that […]
What Kinds of Things Can I Trademark? If you’re starting a business, launching a brand, or creating a new product, you might wonder what kinds of things you can trademark to protect your brand identity. Trademark law is a powerful tool for safeguarding the unique elements that distinguish your goods or services from competitors. At […]
What is the Difference Between the TM and R Symbols for Trademarks? When you see a business name, logo, or slogan accompanied by a small superscript symbol like ™ or ®, those symbols are telling you something important about the legal status of that mark. For business owners, entrepreneurs, and content creators, understanding the difference […]
