How Do You Dissolve a Partnership in California?

Business partnerships can end for any number of reasons. Perhaps one partner wishes to retire or there has been a dispute, a death, or the simple desire to re-form the partnership as a different business entity. Regardless of the reason, ending your California partnership requires several steps. In California, partnership dissolution is dictated by the California Revised Uniform Partnership Act (RUPA). Although Read More

Don’t Make These 5 Payroll Mistakes with Your Business

Paying your employees may seem like a basic and straightforward task. However, there are many common mistakes that you could be making as a business owner due to such things as staff turnover, not keeping up with local, state, and federal payroll and tax laws, and the burdens that go along with running a business. These mistakes can cost a business money and be detrimental to its reputation. The IRS penalties for Read More

Understanding California’s Trade Secret Laws

As a business owner, you likely have information that you would not want the public or your competitors to learn. This information can be anything from your marketing plan to a recipe that has been handed down for generations. Trade secrets are usually protected by nondisclosure agreements and are easily stolen because they are usually nothing more than information that is obtained by virtue of being an employee of Read More

Intellectual Property Law 101

Anything that is produced by the human mind is considered “intellectual property.” It may be something that starts out as a simple idea, but it ends up having practical effects on the world around you. Businesses often create intellectual property more than they realize. Even something simple, such as how you package your product, is considered intellectual property and may require legal protection. Things like Read More

5 Benefits to Having Outsourced General Counsel

Legal advice is often a “must-have” for businesses, large and small. However, how you get your legal advice is likely not the same for each type of business. Smaller to medium-sized businesses may not need on-staff lawyers, but having someone available for legal projects at all times may make sense for a larger company. Outsourced in-house counsel can be a great option for businesses that do not have the need or Read More

Is Your California Business Compliant?: An Overview of Business Entity Compliance Requirements

When you decide to incorporate or form an LLC, you are committing to follow certain compliance requirements that are set out by California law. Failing to adhere to these legal demands can completely undermine your business structure. Therefore, it is important to know and understand these obligations so you can fulfill these duties. Types of Compliance Requirements Generally speaking, there are two types of Read More

16 Things to Include in a California Independent Contractor Agreements

An independent contractor is someone who often controls his or her work environment. He or she usually uses their own tools and equipment to accomplish a specific job. They are also more likely to decide how to accomplish the job themselves instead of being instructed by someone else. They also usually set their own working hours, but not always. Independent contractors are often paid by the job, and the working Read More

The Difference Between a Corporation and LLC in California

Business structures have important differences that can be both advantages and disadvantages, depending on your company’s unique needs. Not all structures are created equal. Understanding the differences between two of the most widely used structures—corporations and LLCs—can help you decide which option will work best for you. Business Structure Basics When deciding which business structure is right for your Read More

Minor Disagreement or Major Problem?: 6 Signs Your Business Dispute May be Headed for Litigation

Informal negotiation can resolve the vast majority of business disputes. However, some conflicts will inevitably lead to litigation. Disputes bound for litigation often have similar attributes—that means that you can sometimes predict which business disagreements will end up in the courtroom. Often, business disputes headed toward litigation will have the following characteristics:   Communication Read More

Considering an M&A? Think About These 5 Things First

Successful mergers and acquisitions (M&As) can help companies enhance revenue, enjoy cost savings, serve new markets, and much more. While it may seem like an exciting prospect for your business, there's always the chance your M&A could fail to deliver on its purpose. If you're considering an M&A, you need to look at the facts well in advance. These tips are designed to help you think about your potential Read More