business
COVID-19 and Commercial Frustration
With the COVID-19 wreaking havoc on California’s economy, many of the adversely affected businesses increasingly find themselves unable to perform their contractual obligations. Hardest hit are businesses declared non-essential and ordered to shut down, including movie theaters, cruise liners, sport stadiums, restaurants, convention centers, clothing outlets, barbers and beauty salons, etc. Other businesses such as…
Not Your Grandparents’ Stock Market
Earlier in 2018, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions made a controversial move to rescind the Obama-era “Cole Memo” which created a safe haven for those state-based marijuana-related operations who were operating in compliance with the regulations of their respective states. As surprising as this move may have been at first glance, the reality is that…
Using Patents to Establish Brand
Small businesses and especially startups are often well aware of what a patent can accomplish for their businesses; provide a legal monopoly for their inventions for a period of time. And yet, the effects of a patent can go beyond protection of an invention and can include helping establish a strong brand for the business,…
Goodwill
Goodwill is a familiar term that most of us have heard and read about, and believe that we have a basic understanding of. Despite its familiarity, few business owners have a clear sense of what the term means or understand its application and legal implications for their businesses. There is probably good reason for this…
Solar Contractor Do's and Don'ts!
In recent years, installation of solar panels has become a lucrative and growing business. Many contractors have chosen to forego their conventional construction projects and get into the business of selling, financing and installing solar panels. As solar panel installations on homes have increased, so have complaints to the Contractor’s State License Board (CSLB). In…
How to Avoid Drive-By Lawsuits Based on ADA
If you own a business that is open to the public, you need to know how to avoid drive-by lawsuits. In the last decade or so, there has been an increase in litigation based on the Americans with Disabilities Act, also known as ADA[1]. The ADA and corresponding California Unruh Act[2] require compliance with certain…