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Worst Legal Mistakes made by Startups near NYC

Feb 5, 2019 Adam Blaier, Esq.

When you decide to launch your startup near NYC, your attention is focused on creating the perfect product, hiring the best employees, and finding office space in just the right location. Legal issues are the last thing on your mind, but without proper attention, these can lead to costly litigation later. These are some of the worst legal mistakes startups make in New York and how you can avoid them.

What Are Your Trademark Rights?

Jan 29, 2019 Adam Blaier, Esq.

A trademark is a symbol, design, word, or phrase that distinguishes one business’s products from another. A service mark is a symbol, design, word, or phrase that distinguishes one business’s services from another. The term “trademark” is commonly used to refer to both trademarks and service marks in the United States. Trademarks have common-law rights, but a business may also choose to federally register its trademark for enhanced protection.

Difference Between Copyright, Trademark, & Patent

Jan 27, 2019 Adam Blaier, Esq.

Your Intellectual Property (IP) is a valuable asset for your business. In the digital age, you need to protect your IP from infringement, misappropriation or the like. The type of protection you need depends on the type of IP involved.

Things Your Startup Must Know About IP

Jan 23, 2019 Adam Blaier, Esq.

When you found a startup, you have a lot on your mind at the beginning — hiring the right employees, attracting customers, choosing an office space — and you may not think about how your intellectual property (IP) affects your ability to do business. IP, however, is your startup’s most valuable asset, and as a startup founder, you need to be mindful of how it is used and who can claim ownership of it.

What is International IP & Why Do You Need It?

Jan 4, 2019 Adam Blaier, Esq.

The United States has certain registration requirements for copyrights, patents, and trademarks. These requirements make protecting your Intellectual Property (IP) straightforward with good legal representation. However, when you want to operate in a global market, you need to understand international IP protection and registration requirements, which will vary based on the type of IP involved.

Independent Contractors vs. Employees

Jul 26, 2018 Adam Blaier, Esq.

Throughout various stages, your startup or small business may work with independent contractors (“I.C.s”) to meet the ever-changing needs of your company. Using I.C.s allows you to pay for services, such as software/app development and sales, without the need to have a fixed employee salary or providing benefits, and thus, potentially saving your business money. However, the IRS has specific guidelines for determining if the people who work for you are I.C.s or if they are really employees.