Nominative fair use allows a business to refer to another company's goods or services by using their trademarks without needing permission. This principle is essential for businesses that provide services related to products from other companies. For example, auto repair shops, tech support services or medical providers. A recent discussion sheds light on how this doctrine applies, specifically regarding the use of another company's logo. The Scenario A medical services provider put on its website a logo of an insurance company alongside other insurance companies’ logos noting that the facility accepts those insurance policies. However, one company sent a notice... READ MORE

With summer fast approaching, it’s a good time to review and update company vacation and personal time off (PTO) policies to ensure compliance with California law. The following is a brief discussion of the laws that apply to vacation and PTO in California. Vacation versus PTO Policy As a preliminary matter, employers are not required to have a vacation or PTO policy. However, once they do have such a policy, employers must comply with applicable California requirements. There are two approaches when it comes to providing paid time off to employees. Some employers elect to provide a stand-alone vacation policy... READ MORE

For small businesses long-term success requires more than just a great product or service. It also demands careful attention to legal matters to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and protect the business's interests. As business attorneys, we've identified several key legal must-haves that every business should implement to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth and success. Choosing the Right Legal Structure First and foremost, every business needs a solid legal structure. Whether you're a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation, choosing the right legal structure is essential for protecting your personal assets, minimizing tax liabilities, and defining your... READ MORE

Virtually every company has developed product details, such as recipes or processes of manufacturing, or even customer purchasing information that it wants to protect from disclosure to competitors and the public.  To protect this critical data, which would be considered trade secrets or confidential information, depending on the nature of the information,  companies must take key steps to ensure it is not taken by employees whether intentionally or inadvertently. A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) also referred to as a Confidential Information and Inventions Agreement, is an effective and necessary tool which both notifies employees of what the company considers its trade... READ MORE

As spring approaches, we urge business owners to prioritize their compliance with corporate, federal, and legal requirements. It's a critical step in ensuring your business stays on track and avoids potential pitfalls down the road. Here's how Chase Law Group, with its wealth of experience and expertise, can guide you through each aspect of compliance and beyond: Tailored Expertise Across Industries and Stages: With years of experience assisting businesses of all sizes, types, and industries, our firm understands the unique challenges you face. Whether you're a startup carving out your niche, a growing enterprise navigating expansion, or an established corporation... READ MORE

There are many steps that should be taken before buying a franchise. The most-important is to read the entire Franchise Disclosure Document or “FDD” (that lengthy document that the franchisor provided to you, probably by emailing a .pdf copy to you). If you’re serious about this franchise, you should also have a lawyer who is experienced in franchising review the FDD; there are lots of issues an experienced franchise lawyer can spot that you might miss.  After you have read the FDD, it is very important that you call franchisees (in a small system, you may be able to call... READ MORE

The state of California currently sets the minimum wage rate at $15.50 per hour. However, for employers with employees that work in specific cities (see below) the employers must also comply with local city minimum wage requirements when it is higher than the state mandated rate. Effective July 1, 2023, employers with employees in the following local cities, and unincorporated Los Angeles, will need to increase their minimum wage rate of pay as follows: Los Angeles City: $16.78/hour;Los Angeles County (unincorporated areas): $16.90/hour;Malibu: $16.90/hour;Pasadena: $16.93/hour;Santa Monica: $16.90/hour; andWest Hollywood: $19.08/hour   Employers whose employees work remotely in any of these... READ MORE

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