Business owners seeking to protect their proprietary information or invention have many different options. The most common method that people think of is patent protection. Depending on the complexity of the subject matter, patents can be expensive to draft, prosecute, and defend. Additionally, not all information that a business may find valuable will fall under… Continue reading Trade Secret Protections for Small Businesses
Category: Business
You Will Have to Start Paying Online Sales Tax (in 2018)
In the near future, you may be paying more for goods that you buy online. On June 21, 2018, the Supreme Court delivered its decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair. The Court’s decision will likely impact the way you shop – both online and in brick-and-mortar shops. In a previous blog post, we reported that… Continue reading You Will Have to Start Paying Online Sales Tax (in 2018)
What is a Corporation?
There are many different ways in which a business can be formed. When forming your own business, though, there are four main types to consider, each with their own pros and cons. For this post, we will answer “What is a Corporation?” A corporation is the most easily recognizable Advantages of a Corporation: Limited Liability… Continue reading What is a Corporation?
What is a Merger Clause in a Contract?
If you have read our previous post regarding whether verbal agreements are enforceable , you know to be wary of any oral or “side” agreements that are not embodied in a final written document. Merger Clauses, very common in contracts, take it a step further. An example of a typical Merger Clause is: The terms… Continue reading What is a Merger Clause in a Contract?
5 Things to Remember When Selling Your Business
Today’s strong economy and recent tax overhaul may have you considering selling your business while prices are high. With a less restrictive tax code in place, the asking price for businesses could increase even more. Selling a business can be fraught with challenges, so it is important to have a plan to ensure that your… Continue reading 5 Things to Remember When Selling Your Business
The Clarence Lifestyle Center: 7 Things to Consider before Signing a Commercial Lease.
You might have heard that the Eastern Hills Mall in Clarence is considering the possibility of undergoing a significant renovation. As development in Western New York continues to surge, the Mall, a 20th Century concept, is positioned to either adapt with the times, or be a relic of the past. This blog post will explore… Continue reading The Clarence Lifestyle Center: 7 Things to Consider before Signing a Commercial Lease.
5 Steps to Buying an LLC
With the arrival of the new year come new year’s resolutions. Is this the year to satisfy that entrepreneurial desire to run your own business? But what if you don’t feel like starting from scratch? Purchasing an existing business can present less risk and provide more immediate returns than purchasing a start-up. And, now that… Continue reading 5 Steps to Buying an LLC
Will You Have To Start Paying Online Sales Tax in 2018?
That is the question that the Supreme Court last week agreed to consider in a case (South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., et al) that will have national implications for online retailers as well as brick and mortar businesses. The Supreme Court had previously held that states could only tax a merchant’s sales if that business… Continue reading Will You Have To Start Paying Online Sales Tax in 2018?
3 Reasons Sole Proprietors Should Avoid DBAs
New York State Business Law Section 130 prohibits anyone from doing business under a name other than his or her own unless an Assumed Name Certificate (more commonly referred to as a DBA) is filed. For example, if John Smith would like to sell seeds under the name “Johnny’s Apple Seeds”, he would have to file… Continue reading 3 Reasons Sole Proprietors Should Avoid DBAs
What is a Business Registration Certificate?
Preparing and filing a business registration certificate is the first step towards starting a business. Each business entity requires a different “certificate”. For this post, we will focus on the two most popular types of business entities in New York, a corporation and a limited liability company (LLC) (What is a LLC?). Generally speaking, a business… Continue reading What is a Business Registration Certificate?