COMMERCIAL LAW BLOG

When you are facing a business dispute, it is important to consider your options for a cost-effective and timely resolution. When businesses are engaged in disputes with one another—particularly when those businesses are located in different areas of the country—forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can be particularly useful. By us…

Business owners and employers in Fremont and throughout Northern California should know that they may not be permitted to require employees to agree to arbitration clauses or agreement under particular circumstances, according to a new law in the state. The new law, Assembly Bill 51, limits the ways an employer can use an arbitration clause…

When you are hiring new people to work for your business, it is essential to have clarification about whether you are hiring employees or independent contractors. The distinction between employees and independent contractors is important for your own business purposes, as well as for the worker. As you may know, employees have certain right…

Starting a software company is an exciting enterprise. Tech folklore is full of stories of people building billion-dollar companies from ideas that were generated in their parents’ garage. The stakes are high. Successful ideas have made some people very rich. Poorly executed ideas have left other people in debt with unsurmountable financial…

Choosing the best legal structure for your business requires knowledge of your line of work and an understanding of local, state, and federal laws. Tax laws are constantly changing and the need for capital is always present, so it is crucial for business owners to evaluate which business structure offers the advantages that will save them m…

Contracts and contract reviews are part of everyday life for Bay Area businesses.  However, many business owners and managers make mistakes when creating, considering or approving a business contract that can have catastrophic ramifications on your business.  Here are five common mistakes in business contracts and how to avoid the…

One of the most important choices you will make when starting a business is selecting a type of legal structure for your company. This decision impacts how much you pay in taxes, the amount of paperwork your business is required to complete, your personal liability, and your ability to raise money to expand or grow. There are three prima…

The beauty of the Internet is that it creates online experiences that connect people worldwide to solutions or products that your company offers. And an Internet-based business can get off the ground without the big budget and deep pockets needed to launch a brick and mortar storefront. Digital storefronts are fast and nimble, and you can l…

Sooner or later, every business will have to deal with an employee claiming that they were wrongfully terminated from their job. The reality is that employers usually terminate employees for performance or due to downsizing. Whenever you must make the business decision to terminate an employee, you should be aware that the employee may file…

Choosing a unique business name is one of the most important decisions a business owner makes when establishing a new enterprise. Your business name is the foundation of your brand. It provides an identifying mark that tells your customers who you are and what type of product or service you offer. A poorly chosen business name may bring neg…