Do you know what you can protect, how to secure your rights, and what constitutes copyright infringement? If not, then these three posts are for you! This post one covers what you can protect; part two explains how to secure your rights; and part three will explore copyright infringement. What is a Copyright A copyright is just [...]
January 1st marks my four-year anniversary of “being my own boss.” And while the last four years have been exhilarating, they have also brought on plenty of stress and speed bumps. Luckily, Kansas City has a lot to offer when it comes to learning how to start and grow your own business. And the [...]
Hashtags. Love 'em or hate 'em, they are everywhere. But can you trademark a hashtag and prevent other businesses from using it? Last night during the "Cause if you like it, put a Ⓡ on it, oh oh oh" Trademark presentation, a woman asked this great question. My initial reaction was yes, subject to [...]
“Everything is negotiable.” Ok, well not everything, but many things are. Here are nine tips to help you negotiate your next contract. To begin, you should note that if a contract contains errors, or simply doesn’t meet your expectations, you should raise your concerns and negotiate new or modified terms that are mutually acceptable. [...]
Many entrepreneurs struggle when it comes to reviewing contracts. Here's a two step process to make it a little easier for you. At the outset, you should look at things from a high level. Then, dive deep into the nitty gritty. [Learn More: How to Negotiate a Contract] High Level Review At a high [...]
Insurance is often your first line of defense. Here are four tips to help you find a broker or agent to find the right coverage for your business. Related Posts: How to find a lawyer | How to find an accountant 1. Agents v. Brokers At the outset, it is important to [...]
Your most important metrics are financial metrics. So if you are running a business, you better have a good accountant. Here are four tips to help. Related Posts: How to find a lawyer | How to find an insurance broker/agent 1. Get a good referral Like finding an attorney, the best way to [...]
It's easy to confuse W9s and 1099s so here's a primer on what entrepreneurs and freelancers should know. A Little Background In the ever growing freelance economy in Kansas City, more and more people are being paid as independent contractors rather than as traditional employees. When you are paid as an employee, your employer reports [...]
Small business owners often complain that it is hard to find and work with attorneys. Here are some tips to make it easier. Related Posts: How to find an accountant | How to find an insurance broker/agent Finding an Attorney in Kansas City The best way to find an attorney is to ask for a [...]
Protecting your trade secrets is becoming more and more important for startups and small businesses. Here's what you should know. Unlike the other forms of IP, which are primarily protected through federal laws, trade secrets are primarily protected through state laws. That means every state maintains their own trade secret statutes. However, most of them [...]