Business Law Articles

Discover and learn the latest valuable business law articles for ideas, practical information, DIY from a network of leading business and corporate lawyers.

Learn more about: Business | Corporate | Employment Law

How to Trademark a Logo: A Step-by-Step Guide to Legally Protecting Your Brand Identity

Trademarking a logo safeguards your brand identity and prevents unauthorized use nationwide. Follow a structured process to secure legal protection effectively.

What Are OKRs? A Complete Guide with Definitions, Examples, and Best Practices

OKRs help companies and teams set ambitious goals, track progress, and drive accountability, focus, transparency, and alignment. This guide outlines OKR definitions, examples, frameworks, and practices to enhance goal management and support measurable business success.

Best Applicant Tracking Systems for Businesses of All Sizes

Find the best applicant tracking systems for startups to enterprises, featuring automation, customization, and advanced candidate management tools. Compare top ATS platforms like Workable, Greenhouse, and Breezy HR to streamline hiring and enhance team efficiency.

How Do I Draft a Contract Termination Letter?

A contract termination letter formally ends an agreement while maintaining professionalism and clarity. This guide outlines key elements, writing steps, and sample templates to ensure a smooth process.

What Should a California Termination Letter Include?

A California termination letter must include the termination date, reasons for dismissal, and compensation details while maintaining legal compliance. Clear communication, professionalism, and defined next steps help avoid disputes and ensure a smooth transition.

Online Business Ideas for 2025 and Beyond

Start an online business in 2025 with these 24 profitable ideas. From dropshipping to freelancing, find opportunities suited for any skillset.

What Are KPI Definition Examples? Key Performance Indicators Explained

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are measurable metrics that assess a company's success in financial, operational, and strategic areas. Businesses track KPIs to evaluate performance, optimize processes, and make informed decisions based on data-driven insights.

Understanding Credit Card Processing Fees and Ways to Reduce Costs

Credit card processing fees vary by issuer, processor, and network, impacting business costs. Reduce expenses by optimizing transactions, minimizing chargebacks, and selecting cost-effective payment solutions.

How to Start a Consulting Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

Define your expertise, research competitors, set pricing, and structure your consulting business effectively. This step-by-step guide covers key actions for a successful launch.

LLC vs S Corp: Choosing the Best Business Structure

Choosing between an LLC and an S Corp impacts taxation, liability, and management structure. Business owners should evaluate growth potential, tax implications, and operational complexity before selecting the best option.

How to Find a Small Business Accountant?

A small business accountant helps manage expenses, track income, and ensure tax compliance. Choosing the right accountant improves financial accuracy and supports business growth.

What Is an LLC? Key Features, Benefits, and Formation Guide

An LLC protects owners from personal liability for business debts while offering tax flexibility. Its hybrid structure blends corporate and partnership features.

Are Verbal Agreements Binding in California?

A verbal agreement can be legally binding in California, but its enforceability depends on the circumstances and type of contract. Courts may recognize implied or oral contracts, but proving their existence requires evidence like workplace policies, employment history, or industry standards.

How Should a Demand Letter for a Breach of Contract Be Written?

A demand letter for breach of contract notifies the violating party of their failure to fulfill obligations. It outlines the breach, requests corrective action, and may seek compensation or termination if unresolved.

How Can You Prove a Verbal Agreement in Court?

A verbal agreement can be legally binding, but proving its existence requires strong evidence like correspondence, witness testimony, or performance records. Written contracts remain the best way to prevent disputes and ensure enforceability in legal proceedings.

How Can I Prove a Seller Lied on a Disclosure?

A seller's false disclosure can affect property value and legal standing. Identifying misrepresentations, gathering evidence, and consulting experts help protect buyers' interests.

Where Can I Find a Small Business Lawyer Near Me?

Find a small business lawyer by leveraging professional networks, legal directories, and online resources to compare expertise and pricing. Ask key questions about experience, fees, and communication to ensure the right legal fit for your business.

What Should I Do if My Business Partner Is Making Decisions Without Me?

Your business partner making decisions without you can impact your role and company success. Assess your partnership agreement, document exclusions, and seek legal advice to protect your interests.

What Is Promissory Estoppel? Legal Definition and Examples

Promissory estoppel prevents a party from denying a promise when another party has reasonably relied on it and suffered harm. Courts may enforce such promises even without formal consideration to ensure fairness and prevent financial injustice.

What Is the Role of a Board of Directors and How Are They Elected?

A board of directors sets a company's strategic direction, oversees management, and protects shareholder interests. Elected by shareholders, board members ensure compliance, manage risks, and guide corporate policies for long-term success.

What Is the Cost of Goods Sold and How Does It Affect Gross Profit?

Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) represents direct expenses in producing goods, impacting gross profit by determining profitability. A higher COGS reduces gross profit, affecting overall financial performance and business competitiveness.

What Is Straight-Line Depreciation and How Is It Used in Accounting?

Straight-line depreciation allocates an asset’s cost evenly over its useful life, ensuring consistent expense recognition in financial statements. Businesses favor this method for its simplicity, accuracy, and alignment of expenses with revenue across accounting periods.

What Is Net Profit and How Is It Calculated in Business Accounting?

Net profit is the remaining revenue after deducting all expenses, taxes, and costs, indicating a company’s profitability. Calculating it accurately helps businesses optimize pricing, streamline operations, and improve financial health.

What Is Net Income and How Is It Calculated in Accounting?

Net income shows a company's profitability after subtracting expenses from revenue, making it a crucial financial health metric. Businesses and investors analyze net income to assess stability, guide decisions, and evaluate overall performance.

What Is a Non-Disclosure Agreement and Why Is It Important in Business?

A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legal contract that protects confidential business information from unauthorized disclosure. Businesses use NDAs to safeguard trade secrets, maintain competitive advantages, and ensure trust in professional relationships.

What Is a Lien and How Does It Affect Property Ownership?

A lien is a legal claim on property that secures debt repayment, affecting ownership and financial flexibility. Unpaid liens can complicate sales, refinancing, and creditworthiness, requiring resolution before transferring property rights.

What Is a Hold Harmless Agreement and When Is It Used?

A hold harmless agreement shields one party from liability for damages caused by inherent risks in contracts. Common in high-risk industries, these clauses protect businesses, landlords, and contractors from legal claims.

What Are Retained Earnings, and How Are They Reported in Financial Statements?

Retained earnings represent a company’s net profits after dividends, influencing financial stability and growth. Businesses report them in the shareholders’ equity section of financial statements.

What Does LLC Mean, and What Are Its Benefits?

An LLC provides limited liability protection and pass-through taxation, shielding owners from business debts while simplifying tax obligations. Forming an LLC requires choosing a state, selecting a name, appointing a registered agent, and filing necessary documents.

What Does DBA Mean, and How Do You Register It for Your Business?

A DBA lets businesses use a different name without changing their legal structure. Registering requires checking availability, filing paperwork, and meeting state rules.

How Does an NNN Lease Differ from a Gross Lease?

An NNN lease shifts costs like taxes, insurance, and maintenance to the tenant, reducing landlord responsibilities. A gross lease includes these expenses in a single rent payment, offering cost predictability for tenants but higher landlord involvement.

How Does a Subsidiary Differ from a Parent Company in Corporate Structure?

A subsidiary operates as a distinct entity under a parent company, which oversees strategy, financial support, and compliance. Parent companies benefit from diversification, streamlined operations, and tax advantages while maintaining varying levels of control over subsidiaries.

How Do Revenue vs. Profit Impact a Company’s Financial Health?

Revenue reflects total earnings from sales, while profit accounts for expenses, revealing a company’s true financial health. Differentiating them helps businesses optimize strategies, ensure sustainability, and drive long-term success.

How Does Gross Profit Reflect Business Profitability?

Gross profit shows how much revenue remains after production costs, reflecting business profitability. Strong gross profit signals cost efficiency and financial health.

How Does a General Partnership Differ from a Sole Proprietorship?

A general partnership involves two or more individuals sharing ownership, responsibilities, and liabilities, while a sole proprietorship is owned and operated by one person. Partnerships offer shared decision-making and credibility, whereas sole proprietors retain full control but face unlimited personal liability.

How Is False Advertising Defined Legally?

False advertising laws prohibit businesses from making deceptive claims that mislead consumers into purchasing products or services. Consumers may file lawsuits, seek financial compensation, and hold companies accountable through federal and state regulations designed to prevent fraudulent marketing practices.

What Are the Differences Between a Sole Proprietorship and a Single-Member LLC?

A sole proprietorship offers simplicity but exposes personal assets to business liabilities, while a single-member LLC provides liability protection with additional costs. Choosing the right structure depends on factors like asset protection, taxation, and long-term business goals.

What Services Do Corporate Governance Lawyers Provide?

Corporate governance lawyers ensure businesses comply with legal standards, protect shareholder rights, and maintain ethical operations. They influence board decisions, draft policies, and navigate complex regulations to uphold corporate accountability and credibility.

How Can I Get Financial Help Starting a Business?

Small businesses can secure funding through grants, loans, and corporate programs without repayment. Federal, state, and private organizations offer financial assistance for various industries and needs.

W2 vs 1099: Key Tax Differences

W-2 and 1099 forms define tax obligations for employees and independent contractors. Proper classification prevents IRS penalties and ensures compliance.

How to Trademark Your Business Name

Protect your business name with trademark registration to ensure exclusive rights and safeguard your brand identity from infringement. Follow our step-by-step guide to navigate the trademarking process effectively while avoiding common pitfalls.

What Is an LLC Certificate of Good Standing and How Can You Get One?

A Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the government that certifies that a business has filed all reports and paid the necessary fees with the Secretary of State's office.

What Does Fiduciary Duty Mean in a Legal Context?

Fiduciary duty is a legal obligation of the highest degree for the person in trust to act in the beneficiary's best interest.

Service Charge vs Tip: Is the service charge the same as a tip?

A service charge is mandatory, and a tip is at the discretion of the customer. Under California law service charges are not considered tips. Service charges are the amount a customer is required to pay in addition to the beverages and foods purchased at a restaurant. Service charges belong to the restaurant and not to the employees.

California Attorney: 75 Affirmative Defenses to Breach of Contract

Affirmative defenses are legal defenses which give you a good reason for not being held responsible for breaking the contract. This article examines 75 affirmative defenses to a claim for breach of contract.

When Is a W-9 Not Required?

A W-9 is not required when payments to a vendor are under $600 in a calendar year. Payments made through credit card processors or platforms like PayPal also do not require a W-9.

Is Small Business Loan Secured or Unsecured

A secured loan places the burden of risk on the borrower. An unsecured loan shifts the burden of risk more to the lender. A small-business loan is secured when backed by specific collateral, typically business assets, such as equipment, inventory or real estate. Secured loans, including those secured by the Small Business Administration (SBA), typically range from $50,000 to $5 million.