Understanding brand protection in a digital marketplace If you’re building a business today, chances are you’re selling or promoting your brand on platforms like Amazon, Instagram, Facebook, or your own website. What many business owners don’t realize is that using your brand online without a trademark can leave you surprisingly exposed. What a Trademark Actually Protects From a legal standpoint, a trademark is what protects your business name, logo, or slogan as a brand—not just as a company. While forming an LLC or corporation protects your business entity, it does not automatically protect your brand in the marketplace. Why Platform... READ MORE

What happens to your website, social accounts, and online revenue if you’re suddenly unavailable? Why Digital Assets Are Often Overlooked When business owners think about continuity or succession planning, they often focus on tangible assets—bank accounts, equipment, real estate, or client contracts. But in today’s economy, some of a company’s most valuable assets are digital, and they are often the least protected. What Counts as a Digital Business Asset Your website, domain name, social media accounts, email lists, cloud files, ad accounts, Amazon seller account, and CRM system may be essential to daily operations. The problem? Many of these assets... READ MORE

If your website tracks visitors—even passively—you may have legal obligations you didn’t expect. Many business owners assume cookie policies only apply to large corporations or e-commerce sites. In reality, most modern websites use cookies or tracking technologies, often without the owner realizing it—and that’s when compliance issues arise. What a Cookie Policy Actually Covers A cookie policy explains how your website collects, uses, and stores data from visitors through cookies, pixels, or similar technologies. These tools may track user behavior, location, device information, or preferences. Even basic tools like Google Analytics, embedded videos, social media plugins, scheduling tools, or ad... READ MORE

A Business Attorney’s Perspective As a business law firm, we are often brought in after something has gone wrong — a customer injury, a contract dispute, a professional error, a cyber incident, or an unexpected claim from an employee. In many of those cases, the business either did not have the appropriate insurance in place or believed they were covered when they were not. Insurance may not be the most exciting aspect of running a business, but in California’s highly regulated and highly litigious environment, the right coverage can be the difference between a manageable issue and a major financial... READ MORE

In 2019, the State of California introduced a state-managed program that allows employees who work for companies that do not have a retirement savings plan to make contributions through payroll deductions towards their retirement. Since 2019, the state has gradually required larger employers over time to register with CalSavers. This year, employers with fewer than 5 employees must register with CalSavers no later than December 31, 2025. For employers that have a 401k or other qualified plan in place, they still must notify CalSavers through its website that they have such a plan in place. For employers who don’t have... READ MORE

With the holidays upon us, many employers plan holiday parties to celebrate the holiday season with their employees.  While holiday parties can be a great way for the company to celebrate the year and holidays and to spend time together, there are a few important considerations that employers must take into account when planning their holiday party to avoid risk and potential claims that could be raised by employees or third parties. Voluntary v. Mandatory Attendance Although employers will understandably want all of their employees to attend their holiday party, it is important to be clear that attendance is voluntary... READ MORE

As business attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly an unexpected event—whether natural disaster, cyberattack, or even a local power outage—can disrupt operations. When that happens, the businesses that recover fastest are the ones with organized, accessible financial and legal records. Preparedness isn’t just about emergency kits or insurance—it’s also about documentation. Losing critical business records can delay your ability to file insurance claims, apply for relief funds, or prove compliance in an audit. Keep Your Plan Current Your emergency plan should be reviewed annually to reflect changes in your operations, ownership, or location. The federal resource Ready.gov offers helpful checklists,... READ MORE

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your home kitchen into a legitimate small food business, an expansion of California’s Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) program may be just what you’ve been waiting for. What AB 1325 Does Assembly Bill 1325, signed into law in July 2023, significantly expands opportunities for home-based food entrepreneurs. The law increases the meal limit from 60 to 90 meals per week and doubles the annual gross sales cap to $100,000. These changes give home cooks and small-scale caterers more flexibility to grow their businesses legally while staying within the MEHKO framework. Why It Matters for... READ MORE

The Governor recently signed new laws impacting California employers in 2026.  Below is a discussion of these new employment laws. Increased California Minimum Wage and Exempt Employee Salary Requirement Increases Beginning January 1, 2026, the California minimum wage will increase to $16.90 per hour. This will also increase the exempt employee salary requirement to $70,304.00. The City of Los Angeles minimum wage will remain at $17.87 per hour until its next scheduled increase on July 1, 2026. The Workplace Know Your Rights Act This new law, SB 294, establishes the “Workplace Know Your Rights Act” under which an employer will... READ MORE

A new California law, AB 692, will prohibit employer agreements entered into with their employees beginning January 1, 2026, that requires employees to repay costs or pay penalties when their employment ends.  However, there are key exceptions to this new law's prohibitions, including tuition reimbursement and retention bonus repayment so long as certain conditions are met.  Tuition reimbursement:  California will allow tuition reimbursement agreements to be enforced only if the following conditions are met: The agreement is set forth in a document other than the offer letter or employment contract. The amount to be owed must be specifically set forth before... READ MORE