InnovaCounsel Blog

Author Archives: Stuart Blake

Five Common Patent Filing Mistakes

Many companies depend on patents to protect their creations. Making a mistake while filing the patent could be disastrous for their company. However, mistakes do happen. Here are the five most common patent application mistakes to avoid: Waiting too long … Continue reading

Posted in Contracts, General, In-house Counsel, Intellectual Property, Risk Management | Tagged , , | 123 Comments

Litigation Strategies Should Include Settlement

Many lawsuits are settled before they ever enter a courtroom. That’s why when planning a litigation strategy, a settlement strategy should also be planned. InnovaCounsel helps their clients with this through dispute resolution, litigation strategy and management. When creating a … Continue reading

Posted in Contracts, Litigation, Risk Management, Strategy | Tagged | 2 Comments

Tipping Policies Could Mean Fewer Lawsuits

Tipping is embedded in American culture. Not only do people tip restaurant servers, but also coffee baristas, hairdressers, and many other workers in service jobs. Lately the custom has come under scrutiny, with some restaurants doing away with formal tipping … Continue reading

Posted in Employment, General, In-house Counsel, Litigation, Risk Management | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

When to Use an Employment Contract

Employment contracts, similar to consulting contracts, set forth the terms of the relationship between employer and employee. These contracts aren’t always common but there are some situations where they should be used. These contracts should address many aspects such as: … Continue reading

Posted in Contracts, Employment, In-house Counsel, Outsourced GC | Tagged , , , , , , , | 157 Comments

The Basics of Trademark Infringement

Many companies encounter trademark infringement during the course of their lifetime. Whether they are a victim of it, or are the ones infringing, any business should be aware of the basics regarding trademark infringements in case they run into the … Continue reading

Posted in Fundamentals, General, In-house Counsel, Intellectual Property | Tagged , , | 139 Comments

Religious Discrimination Laws and the Holidays

During the holidays, religion can become a topic of discussion between employers and employees when they are needing to take time off for their beliefs or practices. Both employers and employees should be aware of EEOC laws surrounding religious discrimination … Continue reading

Posted in Employment, Fundamentals, General, Litigation, Risk Management | Tagged , , , , | 146 Comments

Terminating a Consulting Contract

Sometimes consulting agreements don’t work out the way the company envisioned. It might not have worked out because of poor performance, financial reasons, or another factor. In any event, terminating a consulting contract can get messy if done in the … Continue reading

Posted in Contracts, Fundamentals, General, In-house Counsel, Litigation, Risk Management, Strategy | Tagged , , | 162 Comments

New Business Paperwork

Starting a business is a major endeavor requiring a lot of patience and paperwork. Without the right forms, the process can turn into a nightmare. So what paperwork does one need to start a business? Articles of Incorporation or Organization … Continue reading

Posted in Fundamentals, General, In-house Counsel | Tagged , , , | 129 Comments

When Do I Need an Employment Law Attorney?

  Not every business has an in-house attorney. However, there may be times when one is needed, especially when dealing with employment law. With employment laws changing rapidly and courts interpreting them in new ways, it can be hard to … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

IT Department Compliance

Compliance laws don’t just cover general business practices, they also govern specialty departments such as IT. These regulations deal with safeguarding sensitive data for both the customer and the business. By complying, business decreases risks such as fines, penalties, lawsuits … Continue reading

Posted in Compliance, General, Intellectual Property, Risk Management | Tagged , , | 164 Comments