Legal analysis, novel ideas, current happenings, and answers from the minds of Amini & Conant.
4 minute readAnyone who is planning to scale or buy another business may want to franchise. This option focuses on expansion, growth, and opportunity. Like any important decision, there are pros and cons of franchising a business. Franchising may not be the best choice for every person, so it is vital to understand the risks and benefits before starting the process.
Read More
2 minute readTrademarks provide legal protection for brand names and logos, preventing other businesses from copying them or using similar marks. An individual or company with a logo, phrase, design, symbol, or word that identifies goods or services may apply for a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Although applying for a trademark has the end goal of protecting the intellectual property (IP) rights of the business, how does the trademark owner protect his or her IP rights when a trademark is pending?
Read More
3 minute readAn evaluation of a company’s working capital is a critical piece of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions. A detailed financial evaluation must be conducted to determine the financial and legal expectations of both parties involved in the transaction.
Read More
4 minute readDespite its name, a “final” office action from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) does not mean your trademark application has been rejected. Instead, this communication represents the last opportunity you have to correct the application and file a response during the application process.
Read More
3 minute readBusiness owners may file trademark applications and later wish to add additional classes as their businesses expand to more goods and services. Unfortunately, people cannot directly amend trademark applications to add additional classes, but they may be able to establish new filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Read More
3 minute readSome countries have “first to file” rules that recognize the trademark as belonging to whomever first files the trademark application, even if the real owner of the trademark is someone else. Register a trademark internationally to help protect intellectual property rights in other countries where you do business.
Read More
4 minute readIf a business believes someone is using their unique trademark, they may send a trademark infringement letter. The infringing party may face several repercussions, including an injunction from a court that orders them to stop using the infringing mark, as well as having to hand over their profits to the owner of the mark.
Read More
3 minute readRegistering a trademark is a necessity for protecting the brand of a business, as it offers protection against third-party infringement of the company’s branding.. Business owners who are planning to apply for a federal trademark should be aware of a few key requirements.
Read More
6 minute readAs a small business in Texas, it's already difficult to make sure customers (and revenue) are walking in the door. But it can be even more difficult if you don't understand your tax obligations. We provide a thorough review of the taxes a small business must account for.
Read More
6 minute readAre California's notoriously stringent non-compete laws easing up? The law is far from settled, but we take a look at encouraging developments and offer a roadmap for employers who want the best chance to enforce non-competes in the state.
Read More
10 minute readIt may be tempting to classify employees as independent contractors, but making that designation is a decision fraught with potential consequences. We take a look at what differentiates an employee from an independent contractor.
Read More
6 minute readAn overview of registration requirements for broker-dealers and finders under both Securities Exchange Act and the Texas Securities Act, paying particular attention to finders who match companies with investors or buyers.
Read More
