One of the first things you will do to set up your business in California is choose your business name. This is an important step that requires careful consideration. There are many missteps you could make that could result in problems down the road. It is important to recognize these pitfalls beforehand so you can avoid them.
How can I avoid issues when choosing a business name?
Can AI improve process at the U.S. patent office?
Pity the patent examiner. Millions of patent applications flood the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) each year and it is the task of the patent examiner to see if the application has previously been applied for and whether it adds to the total of human knowledge.
What are some red flags to look for when working with clients?
If you provide a professional service in California, you know that clients are an essential aspect of doing business. However, some partnerships are more trouble than they're worth and could lead to legal issues if the problem client claims you failed to deliver on your promises. Lifewire offers the following tips in this case, which can help you identify some common red flags.
How can I protect my trade secrets?
Trade secrets are as diverse as the businesses they belong to. Lists of customers, recipes, methods of operation, formulas, and pricing can all have a real impact on the success of your enterprise and can result in loss of profits if this information falls into the hands of competitors. There are steps you can take to protect trade secrets, as explained by the U.S. Small Business Association.
Why all startups must have intellectual property protection
Your fledgling business is just taking off, but things already look promising. You have the drive, innovation and commitment to be an entrepreneur, and you are confident about your business's prospects.
How long do my intellectual rights last?
When it comes to intellectual property, you have to look to the federal government for protection, not the state of California. While the state provides some intellectual property protections, the federal government mandates very specific protections and limits on those protections. Each type of intellectual property is protected in a different way. While some may have lasting protection, others have protection limited to a specific number of years.