Business Law

Business Law

10 Steps to Preserve Business Intelligence

10 Steps to Preserve Business Intelligence

 

Tips for Preserving Business Intelligence by Protecting Business Rights

When you are trying to preserve business intelligence, you have to do things that will protect the business for which you are working.  There are all kinds of ways to protect business rights through legal means; what you need to know is what will work best to protect business intelligence. 

Business intelligence is what keeps businesses running and will promote new ideas and fresh products. Without business intelligence the world would be stagnant, and that is why it is so crucial to protect it.

There are many different ways to protect business intelligence by protecting intellectual property.  Here are the top ten reasons why you need to protect business intelligence:

1. File for Protection

The best way to get the protection that you need is to file it.  There are generally three ways that you can protect your business intelligence and your new idea.  Look into a patent, trademark, or a copyright. These are the three legal ways to protect your ideas.

2. Hire a Lawyer to Help

You honestly don’t want to go about trying to promote business intelligence and protect intellectual property without an attorney.  It is worth the investment that you are going to make.  They are able to help you best apply and figure out what is going to work the best to keep your idea your idea. Contact business lawyers for legal advice and assistance.

3. Become Book Smart

Even though you’ve hired an attorney (or you should have), familiarize yourself with intellectual property law so that you know what is going on.  This way, you’ll have the tools that you need to be knowledgeable.  Remember, the more you know the better.

4. Think it Through

Let’s be honest, not every idea needs to be trademarked. You want to work on business intelligence which means a great idea.  Instead of trademarking any idea that comes your way, ask your counsel for advice and decide if this is going to be an idea that can potentially make some money in the future.

5. Respect what other People have Done

Just because the idea popped into your head doesn’t mean that you are the first one who thought of it.  Be sure that your idea is unique and isn’t something that you borrowed from someone else. 

6. Think your Idea Through

Business intelligence requires a full thought. You need to have the idea planned out start to finish.  This way, you are able to see if it is a viable option or something to push aside to start the next great thing.

7. Become Competitive

If you have a unique idea, you still need to patent it.  So be sure that you are spending the time and money to protect the idea that you have. Otherwise, it is just a waste of time.  Protecting your ideas will make a big difference in the options that you have.

8. Protect your Trade Secrets

Be sure that anyone related to the idea is signing a non-disclosure form to protect the idea from getting out.

9. Get Legal Protection

You should be relying on your legal counsel to help you out.  They will be able to keep your idea safe and you should rely on them to do so.  If you can’t trust them, get a new lawyer.

10. It Takes Time

All of this isn’t going to happen overnight, so just realize that and take the time to know what is going to fit you the best. 

 

Make Sure You Know About Your Business Software!

Make Sure You Know About Your Business Software!

Top Things You Must Know About
Business Software

Business software is a tricky industry and one
that you need to really understand the ins and outs of to master.  There
are a lot of legal issues that go into business software and are important to
be aware of.  It is important to understand what you must do to patent
business software and to keep up with the legal requirements of the software
you own. 

Here are a
few important tips to better understand the legality of creating business
software:

Is there a Patent Similar to Yours?

With software, just as with anything else, it has
to be patented.  What is important when you are patenting software is that
it is actually unique.  There can’t be two patented software programs that
are the same; a patent is for a unique idea, so make sure that yours is before
you attempt to get the patent.  Trying to patent an item can be costly,
and you don’t want to spend money that shouldn’t be spent.
 

Test Your Software

You must test your software. If you don’t test
your business software, there is going to be an issue.  You need to run
any program that you create for a business software platform because you need
to be aware of any bugs that exist.  To do this, you are going to want to
test it with a test group and test it internally.  Make sure you have
detailed reporting on this so you can get proper results and see if there are
any bugs.

Know the Privacy Laws

With business software, you need to make sure that
you are not violating any privacy laws.  If your business software is
recording any private information that needs to be removed from the software
program, it will get you in legal trouble.  However, it is okay to share
certain information with third parties, but you need a disclaimer so that
people that use the software are aware the information is being
collected.  You cannot sell any of your users’ information without their
permission!

Have Safety Instructions Spelled Out

Although most likely people creating business
software don’t want to have this problem, you need to let users know if there
are any issues with the software.  These issues would come about from
testing the software.  If, for example, in a small percentage of installed
programs that were tested, there was a bug, it would need to be
disclosed.  Not disclosing something like this with detailed safety
instructions can expose you to a lawsuit.

When it comes to covering yourself in regards to
the business software you’ve created, you need to do a few things.  Be
sure that you have patented and tested your program.  You also will want
to very clearly list that information.  If a problem should arise, you
will want to hire an attorney that specializes in business software, or at
least patent law, so that they are able to properly represent you.
 

LLC: Pros and Cons

LLC: Pros and Cons

What is an LLC?
An LLC refers to a Limited Liability Company. As the name suggests, a Limited Liability Company possesses limited liability for its owners. An LLC is a flexible form of a business organization that combines the various elements of a partnership with the fundamental characteristics of corporate structures.
A Limited Liability Company is a legal form of enterprise that offers limited liability to the managers or owners of the business structure. In the majority of localities or states, the formation of a Limited Liability Company does not need to be organized as a profit-based business model to incur the various legal benefits that a Limited Liability Company receives.
A Limited Liability Company is in essence a hybrid company; the business entity possesses certain characteristics of both a partnership and a corporation or sole proprietorship. The mixture of characteristics taken from other business classifications is dependent on how many owners are present in the underlying organization.  Although a Limited Liability Company is classified as a formal type of business entity, it is more closely aligned (based on fundamental characteristics) to an unincorporated association.
The primary characteristic of a Limited Liability Company, to align itself with the broader definition of a partnership, is that both enterprises have the availability of pass-through income taxation. This fundamental characteristic (the income earned by the entity flows through to investors or owners) offers more flexibility for the owner of a Limited Liability Company.


How is an LLC Taxed?

The United States Federal Income tax regards a Limited Liability Company as a pass-through entity. If the entity contains only one member, it is regarded (through federal interpretation) as a “disregarded entity” for the purpose of taxation.
As a result of this classification, the owner of the LLC will report the income of the entity on his or her own tax return. The income earned through an LLC is reported on the Schedule C tax form. For a Limited Liability Company with multiple members, the entity is treated as a partnership for taxation purposes. As a result, they must file the IRS Form 1065 to legally file their taxes.
Individual owners who experienced a loss during a taxable year of operation would receive a K-1 for their losses. The primary benefit of an LLC is realized through the structure’s flexibility. As an option, a Limited Liability Company may also be taxed like a corporation through the filing of the IRS Form 8832.

Advantages of an LLC
An LLC may be legally taxed as a partnership, a sole proprietor, a C-corporation, or an S-corporation.
The members of an LLC are protected from all or some liability acts, including the debts incurred from the business operation.
In some states an LLC may be established with just one person or member involved.
An LLC owns all intellectual property associated with the entity.

Disadvantages of an LLC
A Limited Liability Company often faces more challenges in regards to raising capital.
Creditors may require the LLC to guarantee the fulfillment of any loans offered to the LLC.
The renewal fees associated with an LLC are often more expensive than other forms of businesses.

Protect Your Business Productivity Software!

Protect Your Business Productivity Software!

Great Ideas for Protecting your Business Productivity Software
The key with any software program like business productivity software is that you need to protect your ideas. With so many different programs out there that deal with business productivity software, how do you determine that yours is unique and one that will make a difference?  What is crucial in this respect is that you protect your software so that it is yours and cannot be copied by people that want to find a cheap way to make a few bucks.

Get a Trademark, Patent, or Copyright
When it comes to keeping your ideas and business productivity software safe, you need to get one of three things or a combination of them. 
The biggest way you can protect yourself is through a patent. You will find that it will cost some big dollars to get a patent and you will want to hire a patent attorney that can get it done for you efficiently. Patents are only good in their country of issue, so you’ll potentially have to patent it a few times.
There are also trademarks which add a “TM” to the name. What this basically does is give you an ownership over a name, and you can add on the registered symbol. You may want to trademark multiple things and it is a relatively easy process. Make sure that you search the trademark database to make sure yours isn’t there already or that there isn’t one that is highly similar. Compared to a patent, the cost of obtaining a trademark is miniscule.
Your other option would be a copyright. With a copyright, you get a lot of protection for very little cost. The copyright will keep your business productivity software safe in the sense that it will protect the code, the software, and the documentation that you have. Your copyright kicks in the minute that you publish it. However, you should formally register it so that you are able to protect it even more.

Hire a Firm or an Attorney that Deals with These Laws
It can be difficult to stay on top of all of the laws and regulations that go along with a copyright, trademark, or patent. Therefore, it is important to find an attorney that specializes in this.
There are all kinds of different attorneys out there, but you want the one that specializes in patent law. The thing with patents is that they are expensive and the paperwork is tricky, so it is wise to hire an attorney to handle this process for you instead of trying to muddle through it yourself, which may end up costing you more in the end. Pay a professional to patent your business productivity software; it is well worth it.
Use an attorney for the trademarks and the copyrights too. There are a few tricks to registering these, so do yourself the favor of hiring an attorney. If you want to make sure that you get what you need for your business productivity software, do it the easy way. Sure, you’ll pay them a few dollars, but it is well worth the hassle it prevents.

Keep Your Business Firewall Software Safe!

Keep Your Business Firewall Software Safe!

Important Ways to Legally
Protecting your Business Firewall Software

There are
different ways that you can legally protect your business firewall
software.  Understanding the different ways that you can protect your
business firewall software and ensure that your ideas are safe is crucial. You
want to keep your ideas and software programs to yourself and ensure that no
one else has the ability to take an idea that is too close in similarity to
yours and make money off of it. 
 

Get a Patent

The best way to protect yourself is through a
patent. A patent is a legal protection for the inventor. With a patent, it
excludes others from making, using, importing, or selling the invention. This
makes an idea legally yours!

A patent is good for 20 years from the day it was filed so long as all fees and payments are made. The important thing to remember is that a U.S patent is only valid within the United States and does not carry any weight in another country.

For people
creating business firewall software, the good news is that can now patent the
product, whereas in the past they were not able to do so. To get a patent, it
generally costs between $5,000 and $20,000, so be prepared to pay for it. Do
yourself a favor and hire a patent attorney to make sure everything is done
correctly. It is a lot less stress on your part if you are able to have an
attorney help you through it.

Look at a Copyright

Copyrights are a great way to prevent a competitor
from duplicating the firewall business software that you’ve created. This
copyright will protect the structure, the code, the sequence, and the look and
feel of the firewall business software. The great thing with a copyright for
your firewall business software is that it is done automatically when you
publish it. However, you should also file for a formal copyright.  The fee
for a copyright is generally very small, approximately $45, and is sent to the
Library of Congress.

Get a Trademark

Like a copyright, it is also easy to get a
trademark. This will basically serve as a mark so that people know that someone
owns it and cannot be used by someone else. It is one of the easier ownerships
to obtain.

You first
have to make sure that there is nothing else in the trademark database that
looks like that. Then you will apply online and pay a fee between $75 to $310
per month, depending on the company size and a few other factors.

Knowing the different ways that you can protect
your business firewall software is very important.  You want to be sure
that you are protecting your hard work. Hiring an attorney that can help you
get a patent, trademark, or a copyright will be a huge help. With an attorney,
you will have the ability to get the information that you need and fight to
keep your business firewall software exclusive to just you.
 

The Business Opportunity Of Your Dreams

The Business Opportunity Of Your Dreams

A business opportunity is classified as a prospective endeavor or engagement in the realm of a business setting in which an individual might choose to participate or invest. Business opportunities can be extremely profitable for those choosing to take advantage of them. However, in other cases, business opportunities can result in the loss of monies, assets, and possessions.
Prior to engaging in a business opportunity, individuals are encouraged to do ample amounts of research regarding a potential business opportunity. These types of investigative measures should always be conducted prior to signing any documentation, such as agreements or contracts. 

Types of Business Opportunities
The number and availability of business opportunities mirror the number and availability of businesses that exist. That being said, many entrepreneurs and venture capitalists maintain that business opportunities exist in a perpetual state, crediting inventiveness, business savvy, instinct, and opportunity with much of their success. The following are some examples of the most popular business opportunities that have been birthed in the last decade:
Online business opportunities have increased in popularity due to the indispensability of the internet and electronic commerce (E-commerce). However, unless online business opportunities, or online businesses, are accredited, recognized as lawful, and officiated, individuals are encouraged to avoid engagement with any get rich quick schemes or scams.
Due to the fact that no definitive regulation of the internet exists, online companies have mastered a variety of methodologies that allow them to pose as reputable companies. Conversely, legitimate and valuable business opportunities exist on a large scale, as well.
Investment opportunities are a popular type of business opportunity which caters to individuals who regard themselves as venture capitalists and/or investors. An investment opportunity allows for the prospect of an individual to invest monies into an idea or preexisting company with the hopes that upon the success of their investment, the profit return will be substantial.
However, although legitimate opportunities exist, fraudulent operations are quite common both online and in live business settings. Playing upon the humanity of many individuals, fraudulent scams are constructed with the hopes of catering to the desire to “get rich quick”. In many cases, these schemes and scams disappear with money invested, leaving the investor(s) with a financial loss.
A franchise is a popular business opportunity that allows individuals to involve themselves with a company or business that has prior notoriety and an established reputation, such as a restaurant chain or retail store. Franchises allow for an individual to profit from preexisting success upon paying to essentially borrow the name of the business they wish to franchise. However, upon franchising a business, the individual will be required to uphold the standards and regulations that have been established by the parent company and/or business. This agreement is established and conclusive within a franchising agreement.


Business Opportunity Legal Assistance
As previously mentioned, individuals are encouraged to consult with attorneys specializing in business, commercial, contract, and finance law prior to signing any documentation. An attorney will provide assistance in exploring all liability, loss, responsibility, and finances latent within a prospective business opportunity. 

Are You Ready for Business Cards?

Are You Ready for Business Cards?

Business
cards are documentation that display details of a business in a card form.
Although there does not exist a specific stipulation or standard for
information listed on business cards, many business cards contain information
expressing the following details: name of the business, address of the
business, the name of the employee, and the contact information for the
business.

The Purpose of Business Cards

Business cards are used as information tools
that heighten awareness of a business. They have been known to be exemplary
marketing, networking, and informational resources for business owners and
employees alike. Since business cards are small and portable, they can be
passed along upon meeting new people, at networking events, or in casual
meetings.

Depending on the desired effect, business card
design varies. The first incarnation of business cards was simple print on
white card stock. These business cards shared the dimensions of a wallet or card
holder, which allowed for their safe, easy, and convenient storage.

Due to the
fact that information can be misplaced and/or forgotten, a business card
provides for physical and tangible information regarding the business listed on
the specific business card. Once passed along, the recipient of a business card
can place the business card in a wallet or card holder for future reference.
 

Business Card Dimensions

A traditional business card varies depending
on the nation in which the business exists, but the dimensions do vary in
accordance with that country’s standard. In the United States, a traditional
business card measures 3.5 inches by 2 inches.

Where to Get Business Cards

Business cards can be printed at home or by a
company specializing in business card production. Traditionally, business cards
are printed on cardstock, which is a more dense and durable paper. This allows
for less chance of the card being wrinkled, bent, or damaged. In many cases,
the print on business cards is slightly raised, giving it an enhanced
appearance.

Although
some business cards simply possess writing that displays contact information,
certain business cards possess graphics, designs, and other eye-catching
images. Many print shops will provide business card production, as well as
business card design. Normally, single prints of business cards are rare; in
the event that a printing house agrees to print a single business card, the
cost may be larger than bulk printing. Due to the fact that business cards are
valuable marketing tools, they are traditionally produced in bulk allowing for
their maximum dissemination.

How to Get Business Cards

Decide on a design for the business card. Explore
the usage of graphics, images, colors, types of lettering, font, and size desired.

Decide on the volume of cards desired. Individuals
involved in networking groups and meetings are encouraged to print a larger
volume of business cards. Furthermore, bulk printing rates allow for the price
of production to decrease in tandem with a larger number of cards printed.

In the event that an individual does not
possess professional graphic design training or professional printing
facilities, shop around for the most affordable and reputable designing and
printing house to produce the optimal business card.

Protecting Cards with a Business Card Holder

Protecting Cards with a Business Card Holder

A business
card holder can be classified as two separate entities: portable business card
holders and desktop business card holders. Business card holders are used to
store, hold, and protect business cards prior and during their eventual
dissemination.
 

Why Use a Business Card Holder?

Despite the fact that business cards are
printed on heavier grade paper, such as card cardstock, which gives them added
durability and protection from damage and wear, business cards can still be
subject to scratching, bending, and wrinkling. An individual receiving a
damaged or bent business card might be wary of the individual or business
listed on the business card due to the condition of the business card received.
Furthermore, in the event that an individual or business has spent money
producing high-grade, high-quality business cards, it is in their best interest
to protect the business cards from premature wear.
 

Types of Business Card Holders

Desktop business card holders are
manufactured to sit atop desks or other surfaces in which they can be
accessible to visitors and clients. A business card holder should provide ample
protection and accessibility for the business cards housed within them. Desktop
business card holders should allow for an individual to seamlessly and easily obtain
a business card from them.

In many
cases, individuals who use business card holders choose to utilize them in
order to avoid physically passing a business card during a formal or informal meeting
setting. Furthermore, business card holders can be utilized to match the design
and décor of the office, as well as display a creative or eye-catching design.

Desktop
business card holders can range from plastic to metal. In addition, the
available capacity of business card holders can vary. While some business card holders
carry hundreds of business cards at a time, some desktop business card holders
simply display a single business card.
 

Portable business card holders protect the
integrity and physical state of a business card, which is at times the sole
emissary of a new or unfamiliar business. In networking settings, individuals
with damaged or low-grade business cards may be prematurely judged in
accordance with the condition of their business cards. Business cards held in
business held in business card holders display an air that the individual not
only wishes to project a reputable and accessible image, but also is in the
habit of distributing many business cards. Many feel that this shows the
prospect of careful, meticulous, and responsible character traits on the part
of that individual.

Where to Get Business Card Holders

Business card holders can be obtained at a
variety of locations, ranging from office supply stores to custom manufacturing
facilities. A business card holder can project an air of professionalism, seriousness,
and attention to detail. Due to the fact that an innumerable number of business
cards are exchanged on a daily basis, a desire to maintain the pristine
condition of a business card can add value and reputability to those that
possess them.
 

The Truth About Free Business Cards

The Truth About Free Business Cards

Business
cards are, at times, the sole emissary of a business. Due to the fact that countless
business cards are exchanged on a daily basis, a business card must reflect the
values and professionalism latent in a business. Although the designs of
business cards vary, many businesses choose to spend money on the production of
business cards that they feel will properly and sufficiently reflect their
business.
 

However, a new business, which can also be referred
to as a “startup business”, may opt to obtain free business cards in order to
gauge the number of business cards needed to be produced. Many companies
ranging from online promotional companies to printing and publishing facilities
offer free promotions that allow for individuals and businesses alike to
receive free business cards.
 

Free Business Cards: Pros and Cons

There exist both positive and negative aspects in
the debate surrounding free business cards. Although there includes no monetary
payment, a free business card is traditionally inferior to business cards that
have been professionally designed and manufactured.
 

While free business cards do provide valid
information specified by an individual business, there oftentimes exist
restrictions in sizes, colors, dimensions, word count, and number of cards
produced. Many individuals and businesses alike find this to be extremely
limiting.
 

While free business cards are free of charge,
they are traditionally, and primarily, offered for marketing and promotions. As
a result, many free business card offers display the contact information of the
company providing them somewhere on the business card.

However, in the case of new businesses that hope
to invest in custom, professional grade business cards, the prospect of free
business cards can be an invaluable prospect. Upon obtaining free business
cards, a business can gauge the amount of business cards that they will require
as a result of monitoring turnover, disbursement, and demand for the business
cards.

Where to Find Free Business Cards

Free business cards are offered by a multitude
of companies, ranging from promotional companies to new companies hoping to
garner attention. In many cases, companies offering free business cards hope to
retain clients taking advantage of the promotions, and eventually choosing to
spend money on business cards without the prior restrictions latent in the free
business card promotion.

Many free
business card offers exist online, yet upon approaching printing companies and
publishing facilities, a speculative agreement can be made in the form of a
trial offer. Individuals interested in free business cards are encouraged to
investigate internet promotions, as well as meet with printing companies and
inquiring about promotional deals.
 

It should be noted that in many cases, free
business card promotions do contain restrictions in design. As a result,
individuals seeking elaborate, ornate, or overly-customized business cards may
find that their needs cannot be met in the scope of a free business card
promotional offer.