Blog

Business partnerships are usually started with a shared vision and the best of intentions, and the goal of blending talents and resources to make a profit. The expectation is that partners will act honorably and for the good of the business.

Is your business name “fictitious”?  While the term “fictitious business name” may sound fishy, it actually is a legal term defined by the California Business and Professions Code.  The terms “fictitious business name” and “DBA” (an acronym for “doing business as…”) are often used interchangeably, but California code uses the term “fictitious business name,” so we will, too.

Partnership Agreements for California Partnerships

A few weeks ago, we posted an article geared towards entrepreneurs who are striking it out on their own with a new business venture.  We provided some tips on how to make sure you leave behind all files and documents that your former employer might classify as “trade secrets” to avoid misappropriation allegations, but closed the article by acknowledging the impossibility of leaving a workplace with a spotless mind.   Let’s discuss a few of these “intangible” types of trade secrets that might seem impossible to physically leave behind.

Congratulations!  Your business is expanding, work is pouring in and you think it’s time to hire someone to help you handle it all.  When it’s time to hire your first employee, it’s important to do everything “by the book” instead of “under the table.”  Here’s a quick list of some of the important considerations and requirements for hiring employees:

A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design, or a combination thereof, that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others.  A service mark is basically the same thing, except it distinguishes the services provided by one party rather than physical goods.   Trademarks protect what we typically think of as brand names or logos.