Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various industries, including creative services like marketing, graphic design, website development as well as legal services. One key question that arises is whether a professional needs to disclose the use of AI in their work. As legal jurisdiction and case law have yet to fully play out exactly where things may go, in this article, we delve into the topic and provide what we believe to be best practices in a new world as more professionals use AI in their business. Understanding What AI Is and How It Can Be Used AI technology has been... READ MORE

Whether your company is a large or small employer, there are five essential documents that should be implemented and distributed to your employees that will serve to both protect (as best as possible) the organization from employment-based claims as well as to keep your employees informed and notified of expectations concerning their employment.  Consultation with experienced employment counsel, who can aid in preparing these various documents is highly recommended.  The following are the top five essential employment documents every employer should have. Offer Letter Once a decision has been made to hire an employee, the critical terms and conditions of... READ MORE

As a small business owner, it's essential to understand the legalities surrounding credit card fees to avoid any potential legal issues with your clients. Recently, a question was raised where a client was charged for credit card fees and the client claimed that it is illegal to charge for those fees in California. Here’s the background and how it may apply to your business. While the California Civil Code Section 1748.1 prohibits retailers, including service providers, from imposing surcharges on customers who choose to pay with a credit card, it also allows retailers to offer discounts to encourage payment by... READ MORE

By Scott Liner, Employment Attorney California employers must meet all state and federal requirements related to posting employment-related information in the workplace. Specifically, the California Department of Industrial Relations requires employers to post information related to wages, hours and working conditions in an area frequented by employees where it may be easily read during the workday. The required posters can be seen here by clicking on this link to the Department of Industrial Relations. Federal law required postings can be viewed by clicking here. Many of the workplace posters are available at no cost from the requiring agency or can... READ MORE

By Brian H. Cole, Franchise and Distribution Law For anyone considering starting a new business, there are many advantages to buying a franchise. Some of the most important are the guidance and training provided by the franchisor. The franchisor can help choose a location, provide guidance on the necessary equipment and inventory needed, and conduct a training class that compresses what could otherwise be a long period of trial-and-error learning into a class (or series of classes). But before buying any franchise, it is critical to evaluate the franchise opportunity to be certain that it’s the best option. There are... READ MORE

We can’t emphasize enough just how important it is for business owners to protect their intellectual property, including trademarks. A trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes a company's products or services from those of others in the marketplace. This is what makes your brand memorable and recognizable.  When Should You File a Trademark? Small business owners should also consider the timing of their trademark filing and do the research. The simplest way to see if your brand is already in use is by doing a simple google search and a trademark search at the... READ MORE

Theft and burglary can be devastating for small businesses, both financially and emotionally. However, there are several steps business owners can take to minimize the risk of theft and protect their assets. Secure the premisesThe first step in protecting your small business against burglary is to secure your physical premises. This can include installing a security system, including well-placed cameras and alarms, and making sure all entrances and windows are properly secured. Keeping the premises well-lit, both inside and outside is important and local law enforcement officers have advised that you do not obstruct the windows or view into your... READ MORE

Inflation can be a challenging economic situation for small business owners. Rising prices of goods and services can make it difficult to keep your customers happy, pay your employees, and stay in business. So how can small business owners adapt to inflation and thrive in a challenging economic environment? Here are some strategies to consider adopting and how Chase Law Group can help. Manage Costs: One of the most effective ways to adapt to inflation is to manage costs effectively. This means taking a hard look at your business expenses and finding ways to reduce them without compromising on quality.... READ MORE

In a significant decision impacting employers’ ability to require new and current employees to agree to arbitrate their disputes, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held by a 2-1 decision in Chamber of Commerce v. Bonta that AB51, enacted in California in 2019, which prohibited mandatory arbitration agreements, violated the Federal Arbitration Act.  Based upon its ruling, which reversed an earlier decision issued by the Ninth Circuit, employers can now require employees to enter arbitration agreements as a condition of employment.  California employers must now wait to see if the state of California will appeal to the full Ninth Circuit or the... READ MORE

Our occupational therapist clients are some of the most entrepreneurial because they want to be able to provide a holistic experience for their patients by including a variety of other professionals in their care to fully serve their client and patient needs. Historically, many professional service companies could have other professionals as shareholders, officers, directors and professional employees of their corporation, but this did not include occupational therapy corporations. For example, a physical therapy corporation could hire an occupational therapist. However, there was no provision in the California Corporations Code that would allow an occupational therapy corporation to hire a... READ MORE