Photo: Christina @ wocintechchat.com / UnsplashTrademarks
- Work, business and lawyers
How to Trademark a Business Name or Logo: Search, Filing and Costs
How to trademark a business name or logo in the United States: clearance searches, USPTO filing steps, costs, timelines, common refusals and protecting your mark after registration.
3 min read - Courts and claims
Trademark vs. Copyright vs. Patent: What Is the Difference?
A plain-English comparison of the three main types of intellectual property and which one protects a name, a creative work or an invention.
2 min read - Legal documents
Articles of Incorporation: What to File to Form a Corporation
What articles of incorporation include, filing steps, registered agent requirements and what to do after the state approves them.
3 min read - Work, business and lawyers
LLC vs. Sole Proprietorship: Which Is Right for a Small Business?
Compare liability protection, taxes, cost and paperwork for sole proprietorships and limited liability companies.
5 min read
Copyright and disputes
- Courts and claims
Copyright Basics for Creators: What Is Protected and How Long
How copyright works for writers, artists, photographers and developers, including ownership, registration, licenses and infringement.
2 min read - Work, business and lawyers
Copyright Infringement Claims: Fair Use, DMCA Takedowns and What to Do If You Are Accused
How copyright infringement claims work, fair use factors, DMCA takedown and counter-notice basics, damages, licensing and steps to take if you are accused or if your work is copied.
3 min read - Work, business and lawyers
Received a Cease and Desist Letter? What It Means and How to Respond
What a cease and desist letter is, whether it is legally binding, common reasons for receiving one, how to respond, when to hire a lawyer and how to avoid escalation.
3 min read - Courts and claims
Settlement Agreements: What to Check Before Signing
How legal settlements work, common terms like releases and confidentiality, tax issues and tips for negotiating.
2 min read
Contracts that protect your work
- Legal documents
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): How They Work
What an NDA covers, the difference between one-way and mutual agreements and the limits on what an NDA can do.
4 min read - Legal documents
Independent Contractor Agreements: Terms and Classification Risks
What to put in a contractor agreement and why the label alone does not decide whether someone is a contractor or an employee.
3 min read - Work, business and lawyers
Terms of Service and Privacy Policies for Websites: What You Need
Why websites and apps need a terms of service and privacy policy, key contents and legal requirements like state privacy laws.
3 min read - Work, business and lawyers
Non-Compete vs. Non-Solicit vs. NDA: What Restrictions Can You Face After a Job?
How three common employment restrictions differ and which are most likely to be enforced.
4 min read
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register a trademark?
No, but registration gives stronger protection.
Does registering an LLC protect my brand name?
Not by itself.
Is a cease and desist letter binding?
No, but ignoring it can lead to a lawsuit.
Do I need to register copyright?
Not for protection, but often to sue.
What is fair use?
A limited defense considering purpose, nature, amount and market effect.