Help . . . I Lost my Phone! What to do to Protect Data.
As part of my law practice, I work with small businesses on creating internal policies and procedures for employees and how they can access, utilize, and disclose data. You are responsible for protecting the data you have on your employees, your clients, and your customers. Not only is it an expectation, but it is legally […]
Is Your Business Exposed? Reasons Why It’s Time for a Legal Audit
As a business owner, you’re probably on top of your finances and you file your taxes on time. But what about the rest of your business? When was the last time you did a legal audit or checked on the overall health of your organization? How do you know if you’re really in compliance? Staying […]
Planning to Sell Your Business?
Selling your business is similar to selling your house. It involves a buyer, seller, broker, and underwriter. There are many benefits to retaining a lawyer when selling your business. They can help vet potential buyers, manage negotiations and draft purchase agreements. They deal with all of the important details, so you can retire with peace […]
How to Close Down Your Business
Imagine running a successful business for years. Then you wake up with a feeling that you’re ready to walk away. This thought is more common than you might think. Throughout my career, I have spoken to many business owners who imagine often walking away from their company to start another or stop working all together. […]
Have an Attorney Handle Your Trademark Registration
If you own a business, your business name, logo, website, and social media are amongst your most valuable assets. Therefore, they should be protected. Neglecting to properly protect your company and products can have expensive consequences. Imagine creating a cool logo and printing marketing collateral just to find out someone else already owns the name. […]
How to Avoid Copyright Infringement
Imagine you’re building a website for your newly launched seafood restaurant. You get online and find a photo of blue crabs to use on the home page. A few weeks later, a letter arrives in the mail demanding you stop using the photo and pay damages for copyright infringement to the photo’s owner. You don’t […]
4 things I’ve enjoyed this summer and some things I’m looking forward to
It’s time to lighten things up. I’ve been writing about consumer privacy law and data breaches. Plus we’ve all been living through a pandemic that still isn’t going away. Heavy stuff. So I thought I’d offer up something lighter with this article. It’s simply about things I’ve enjoyed this summer and a few more things […]
What to Know about Data Breach Notification Rules
Cyber security and data breaches are a big deal and a big headache for companies. And breaches are on the rise — up 38 percent in the second quarter of 2021, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. Additionally, the non-profit consumer group predicts breaches to reach a new all-time high by the end of […]
Here’s why companies not located in California should still care about the state’s stricter consumer
California’s consumer privacy law is changing, and if you own a business — in ANY state — you should care. Let me get you up to speed. Last November, California voters passed the California Privacy Rights and Enforcement Act (CPRA), which amends portions of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), making the law even more […]
Trademark 101, Part 2
This is the second in a two-part series about trademarking the name of your business and the services it offers or products it produces. The first installment covered what you need to know before you settle on a name, design your logo and go to market. This second installment covers the different kinds of federally registered trademarks.