Legal Challenges Small Business Owners Face in California
Sep 20 2018 0

Legal Challenges Small Business Owners Face in California

Legal Advice for California Small Business Owners

Owning a small business in California is tough. For most people, the idea of owning their own business is a cornerstone part of the American dream. While the energy, passion, and drive may be there, a host of legal issues may end up holding you back or ruining your business entirely. If you’re thinking about starting a small  Legal Challenges Small Business Owners Face in Californiabusiness, it may be wise to consult with a local attorney, like the business law attorneys of Canoga Park California. No matter your business, our team is here to help and ensure the long-term endurability of your company. 

Common Legal Challenges Small Business Owners Face

  • Is It Actually a Small Business? – Your small business may not actually be so small according to the Small Business Administration. Before labeling yourself as a small business, make sure you consider how big you are and how big you want to become. Then, see where that fits into their size standards. Ensuring you label your business correctly could save you money and legal woes in the future.
  • Employee Contracts – Every business, big or small needs legally binding employee contracts. There are different contracts for full-time, part-time, and contracted positions and each must clearly state all parties involved, payment, termination clauses, rights and responsibilities of the employee, and expected behavior. If an employee violates one or more of these terms, then the owner is well within their right to terminate that employee’s contract. These contracts are especially important when lawsuits arise.

          If the employer ensures their employees have signed a contract, then employers and their small businesses are effectively safeguarded during legal proceedings.

  • Intellectual Property Issues – The purpose of intellectual property (IP) laws is to give entrepreneurs, like small business owners, the incentive to develop and innovate for the betterment of society. These laws do this by ensuring that the individuals can profit from their creations without worrying about others mimicking their invention and stealing their profit. There are four main categories when it comes to IP: patent, copyright, trademark, and trade secrets. Vast sums of money can potentially be available to those with intellectual property rights and countless small and large companies have failed due to infringement claims. The best way to safeguard your innovations or defend yourself from a lawsuit is to seek advice from an experienced attorney.
  • Customers – A single unhappy customer can cause severe damage to any small business through negative reviews or word of mouth. However, a dissatisfied or even injured customer may take legal action against you. One way to mitigate this is to limit or nullify your responsibility once your product has been purchased or your facilities used. Methods like providing disclaimers alongside your products and waivers for your facilities can publicly declare your liability if someone is hurt.

Business Lawyer in California

Small business owners face countless more issues. If you’re interested in starting a business and concerned about the legal responsibilities involved, contact the business lawyers Canoga Park California trusts for a free consultation with no obligation.

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