Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs

Registering a trademark is a lengthy, multi-step process, and it can be tempting to skip the first step of running a trademark search before filing that registration application. But I'm sharing all the reasons why skipping the search is a bad idea. In this episode you'll learn: What a trademark clearance search is and why you should do one every time you choose a name for a new business, product, or service How you may be able to DIY your clearance search When you still may be able to use a business or product name even if it's already being used by someone else How a knockout search helps determine what (if any) risks you may face if you apply to register your trademark with the USPTO Why it's so important to look at trademarks used for products and services that you don't sell, but are related to what you sell, in a knockout search What a search will tell you about how strong your trademark is, and how hard it will be to defend it if you do receive a trademark registration certificate Key takeaway: Whether you start the trademark search process on your own, or work with a lawyer from the very beginning, one thing is for sure: failing to spend a little time and/or money on a trademark search early can be costly down the road. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast for a transcript and show notes, and sign up to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit worksheet. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Some trademarks are stronger than others. But unfortunately, for a lot of business owners, they only find out their trademark isn't strong when they're denied when they try to register it with the USPTO. So, what makes a good trademark? In this episode you'll learn: Who trademark law is really protecting The four different types of word trademarks, and the pros and cons of each Why sometimes you can use your last name as a trademark, and sometimes you can't The litmus test for understanding what in your business is or isn't actually a trademark Key takeaway: Choosing a strong trademark doesn't have to be difficult. But to avoid heartache down the road, choosing the right name for your business and products early on is always best practice. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast for a transcript and show notes, and sign up to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit worksheet. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Your business is established and thriving. Or maybe you haven't even earned your first dollar yet. So, WHEN is the right time to register your trademark? In this episode you'll learn: The downsides to waiting to register a trademark Why you may want to register a trademark for your product before you start selling The ONE question to ask yourself to determine if you're ready to register your trademark How often you should take inventory of your business's IP to evaluate what trademarks you have, and whether it's time to register Why failing to defend your trademark rights could result in your losing them Key takeaway: Deciding on the right time to register your trademark depends on a lot of different factors in your business. But asking yourself the right questions will help you determine when you should register. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast for a transcript and show notes, and sign up to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit worksheet. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

We talk a lot about trademarks on the podcast, but you may still be wondering why you would ever need to register a trademark in your business. While it may seem like a hassle, registering a trademark is one of the most valuable protections you can put in place in your business. In this episode I cover: The types of things that can be protected by a trademark How a trademark can set you up for success if you ever decide to expand into other states How a registered trademark can save you time and hassle if you ever have to file a lawsuit around your trademark The advantage to registering your trademark if you do business abroad How a trademark can help prevent counterfeiting The value a registered trademark can add to your business if you ever look to sell or take on investment How registering your trademark shows competitors you mean business Key takeaway: If you're committed to protecting your business for the long haul, a trademark registration should be on your list for 2019. Additional resources: Legal Road Map® episode 5: www.awbfirm.com/podcast5 Legal Road Map® episode 6: www.awbfirm.com/podcast6 5-minute IP audit: www.awbfirm.com/podcast Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit worksheet. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm).

As a creative business owner, at some point, you will probably find someone has copied your best stuff or started a business or product with a very similar name as yours. Learn how to respond when this happens to protect your business and brand. (Be sure to listen to Episode 5 first for an overview of the different kinds of IP; Episode 11 builds on Episode 5). Episode highlights: What steps can you take to avoid someone copying you? What evidence should you keep in your files if you find you've been copied? How can you get someone to stop copying you w†ithout†a lawyer? What is a DMCA takedown notice and how can this help you stop copycats? When should you consider hiring a lawyer? What is the process for filing an infringement lawsuit and what does it cost? KEY TAKEAWAY: Protecting your rights from copycats may be easier than you think, many people don't know how the laws work and often a gentle heads up and request that they stop will work wonders. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast11 for a transcript and show notes, and sign up for swipe copy you can use to write your own cease and desist letter to send to a copycat (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information not legal advice specific to your situation.

How can you use content created by other people like photos, videos, music, or text (third-party content) the right way in your business? Learn all about fair use and how to stay out of legal hot water with copyrights and trademarks. (Be sure to listen to Episodes 5, 6 and 7 first for an overview of the different kinds of IP; Episode 8 builds on those episodes). Episode highlights: What's in the public domain? Ask permission - the safest bet Using other people's content on social media (re-pinning, re-posting, re-gramming) Copyright fair use - there is no magic % you can change and be safe Trademarks - rules for selling things made with licensed fabric, plus can you use college sports and NFL logos, movie and book titles and characters, quotes and song lyrics? KEY TAKEAWAY: If you don't have permission, you're probably infringing. Create your own stuff or get permission (in writing!) or risk getting a nasty letter or being sued. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast8 for a transcript and show notes, and sign up for a cheat sheet to help you use other people's stuff the right way (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

You've probably heard you automatically have copyright protection under US law. But did you know you must register early in order to be able to fully enforce those protections? Sounds tricky, right? It doesn't have to be! Listen to this week's episode where I walk you through a copyright audit for your business: In this week's episode I walk you through planning for 2019 with a copyright audit for your business: The main difference between copyrights and trademarks and where they may overlap What can (and can't) be protected by copyright in your business Who owns the copyrights if an employee or contractor creates photos, graphics, videos, copy, or other content for you How your contracts can protect your copyrights when you're working with independent contractors The one thing you MUST do in order to take advantage of the rights afforded under copyright law The huge financial benefits to registering your copyrights with the U.S. Copyright Office early, before your work is copied Key takeaway: The key with copyrights is to start thinking about them early on. The sooner you begin locking down your copyrights by registering them, the more your business will be able to shut down copycats. Additional resources: 5-Minute IP Audit worksheet: www.awbfirm.com/podcast Contract template store: www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates

The AWB Firm gets more questions on trademarks than anything else. Trademarks are not only a smart investment to make sure everything you've worked so hard to create (your brand) is protected, but they can also be used as a tool to create additional revenue streams. Learn what you should trademark and how to plan for it in 2019. In this week's episode I cover: The types of things in your business that can be protected by trademark (and those that can't) Reasons you should consider trademarks for your business Great resources + tips for preliminary, DIY trademark searches An advanced strategy to broaden your reach in 2019 Key takeaway: Even if you're not ready just yet, taking a few simple steps now can help you prepare to take advantage of trademark protections in your business in 2019. Additional resources: 5-Minute IP Audit worksheet: www.awbfirm.com/podcast USPTO Trademark Search: https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-application-process/search-trademark-database Alternate trademark checker: www.namechekr.com Legal Road Map® Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/legalroadmap/ Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Working with a lawyer usually isn't at the top of people's priority list for their business. But now is a great time to start thinking ahead about the legal needs your business might have in the coming year. You can start getting your business ready for 2019 now by: Performing a quick audit and updating your contracts if needed (including those on your website!) Taking inventory of the content you've created over the past year to see what you might need to protect with a trademark Adding a budget line item for legal Getting a lawyer's eyes on your business to see any legal blindspots Considering if you're ready to have a lawyer on your team long-term through an ongoing retainer arrangement Key takeaway: Being proactive about legal in your business now can help set the firm foundations to prepare it to really take off in 2019. Additional resources: 5-Minute IP Audit worksheet: www.awbfirm.com/podcast Legal Road Map® checklist: www.awbfirm.com/checklist Legal Road Map® session: www.awbfirm.com/legal-road-map-session Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Growing a business to the point where it's producing steady revenue is a milestone accomplishment for any business owner. But what are you doing to protect your revenue stream(s)? And when the time comes to grow your team, how are you making sure that the very things that make your business successful are protected? In this week's episode I cover the contracts you need in your business to protect revenue and grow your team: The basics to include in a client services contract Why you need to spell out who will own any intellectual property in your contracts Special contract considerations for event planners and for coaches When you need to have contracts in place if you sell a physical product The contracts you need if you do live events, especially if you work with sponsorship Important contract terms for affiliate or referral programs Why you may not want to use Paypal for affiliate payout Which contract to use with your employees to protect your trade secrets Why it's not a good idea to use both your independent contractor's and your contract (just pick one to sign) Key takeaway: Hard work pays off for a lot of business owners, but if you're not using contracts to protect your business, it could all be for nothing. Additional resources: Contract template store: www.awbfirm.com/contract-templates Legal Road Map® podcast episode 12 - www.awbfirm.com/podcast12 Legal Road Map® podcast episode 37 - www.awbfirm.com/podcast37 Legal Road Map® podcast episode 49 - www.awbfirm.com/podcast49 Legal Road Map® podcast episode 50 - www.awbfirm.com/podcast50 Legal Road Map® podcast episode 51 - www.awbfirm.com/podcast51 Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). If you've realized you're missing a key contract for your business, visit http://awbfirm.com/contract-templates/ to learn more about our customizable contract templates, and sign up for a free worksheet to help you write your own contracts. This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Most businesses these days have a website. With all the online platforms available, it's easier than ever to DIY this business essential. But one area of your website that you definitely don't want to DIY is contracts: privacy policy, terms and conditions, disclosures, disclaimers, and more. In this week's episode I talk about the contracts you need for your website: The one contract every website needs (even though no one will ever read it!) Why just linking to your privacy policy in the footer of your website might not be enough under the EU's new GDPR laws The best practice contract you should have on your website even though it's not required How terms & conditions on your website can help if you have to go after a copycat Which industries need to worry the most about including a disclaimer on their website The determining factors for disclosing if you're being compensated for promoting a product or service Key takeaway: It can be super simple to set up a website these days. But without the proper contracts in place, your website could create legal problems down the road. Additional resources: Legal documents, notices, and disclaimers you must post on your website and what to include (episode 3 downloadable): https://www.awbfirm.com/podcast3 Contract templates: https://awbfirm.com/contract-templates/ Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Do you need an LLC for your business? Maybe, maybe not. Learn why you might want to form an LLC or corporation, plus info about federal and state taxes, insurance, business licenses, EINs, bank accounts, and sales taxes. Episode highlights: Liability protection - what this actually means Federal and state tax issues (hint: talk to an accountant!) Pros and cons of Sole proprietorships, Partnerships, LLCs, and Corporations Changing your business name KEY TAKEAWAY: Forming a business entity can provide important protection for your personal assets and maybe even tax benefits -- but this decision will be different for every business. This is an area where chatting with an attorney and accountant is money well spent. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast4 for a transcript and show notes, and sign up for a pro/con cheat sheet about the different kinds of business entities (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information not legal advice specific to your situation.

It can be easy to get caught up in the flashier parts of your business, like selling a course or putting together an affiliate program, but if you don't protect your business with contracts, you could lose everything you've worked for. This week's episode starts my month-long focus on this business essential, covering important items like: A few business scenarios in which you might need a contract (some of these might surprise you!) How a solid contract works wonders for your professional image Why signing a contract is really an act of trust - not the opposite! The five most important things to consider for your contracts A clever tip to get a (mostly) custom contract for your business even if you don't have a big legal budget The one type of contract that all businesses with a website need Why podcast hosts need contracts Key takeaway: No matter what type of business you run, in order to protect it, you need to be using solid contracts. Protecting everything you've worked for now with a contract can prevent devastating consequences down the road. If you've realized you're missing a key contract for your business, visit http://awbfirm.com/contract-templates/ to learn more about our customizable contract templates, and sign up for a free worksheet to help you write your own contracts. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

It's easy to want to check out when you're ready to sell your business, but making sure you have a team in place to help with a smooth transition is an essential part of the sale process. In this episode I talk about important questions to ask and preparing your team for the sale of your business: Important things to consider when thinking about who will run the business after you sell Terms to have in writing if you plan to stay on after the sale to help with the transition Why you might be required to sign a non-compete agreement Making sure your trade secrets are protected by nondisclosure agreements The right time to let your key employees know about the sale of your business Making sure your employees and independent contractors are appropriately qualified before you sell What you need to know about your independent contractor contracts before you sell Key takeaway: Making a break from your business can be a stressful process, but with the right people and protections in place, you can confidently move on to the next adventure. Additional resources: Contract templates: https://awbfirm.com/contract-templates/ Episode 12: https://www.awbfirm.com/podcast12 Episode 37: https://www.awbfirm.com/podcast37 This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

If you're a business owner, it's easy to get caught up in the month-to-month or year-end numbers. But when it comes to putting a price tag on it, how are you supposed to figure out what your business is worth? I'm joined by Shannon Farr, CPA of Scenic City Consulting, who's an expert in all things business valuation. Shannon and I talked about the three standard business valuation approaches and more: How to figure out your business's value if it owns a lot of intangible assets (like copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets) Why you might need to do your own due diligence inside your business before the valuation process Why the Income approach is the most popular way to calculate a business's value What you need to do now if you may be looking to sell or take an investor in your business in the future Why it's difficult to compare your small business to other similar businesses in the market Important things to discuss with your CPA if you're preparing to sell your business How getting an independent valuation is kind of like an appraisal for your business Why you shouldn't be afraid of business valuation as a small business owner Key takeaway: Business valuation might seem like an avoidable expense, especially if you're a small business. But placing the right value on everything you've worked to build can help you make sure your exit from the business is a positive one, so you don't leave money on the table. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast60 for a transcript and show notes, and sign up to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). Additional resources: Shannon's company Scenic City Consulting: www.sceniccityconsulting.com Heather Pranitis, Number Nerd Bookkeeping Solutions: www.numbernerdbookkeepingsolutions.com This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Are you thinking about selling or taking an investor for your business? While we hope if you're thinking about selling, it's so that you can retire to the Maldives, whether for good or bad reasons, selling a business can be a stressful process. But a little planning and preparation now can make for smooth sailing when the moment to sell (or invite investment) arrives. In this episode we cover the three main types of transactions and considerations for each: What are the assets and liabilities in your business? An asset sale - and why this can be more complicated than other types of transactions A stock or membership sale - and possible pitfalls A merger - and why getting a CPA or tax expert involved early is crucial when considering a merger Why it's important to understand what your business actually owns before you start negotiating a transaction or investment (and a free resource to help with this!) Key takeaway: There are many ways to structure a sale or investment transaction. Figuring out what assets and liabilities your business owns with a trusted legal and financial advisor can help you make sure you're not leaving anything on the table. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). Additional resources: 5 minute IP audit: www.awbfirm.com/podcast This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Learn what to expect during due diligence if you're looking to buy, sell, or invite investment into your business. In this episode, I talk about what to expect during due diligence, and how you can prepare: Who pays for due diligence? (and why you might want to consider a good faith deposit during negotiations) The important reasons you should use an NDA - nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement The different types of documents you'll be asked to provide Why you might be required to produce your tax returns or bank statements and other financial records Why you need to make sure that contracts with your key business relationships are in order How protecting your intellectual property now could mean a bigger profit if you decide to sell down the road Key takeaway: Not having your legal house in order can kill a buy/sell or investment deal in an instant. Preparing for due diligence with a trusted attorney and tax advisor can help ensure a successful transaction or agreement. If you need an NDA (nondisclosure / confidentiality) agreement like the one mentioned in this episode, be sure to check out our contract template store: https://awbfirm.com/contract-templates/ Our templates are fully customizable by you and available for immediate download! Additional resources: Legal Road Map® episode 43 with bookkeeper Heather Pranitis: https://www.awbfirm.com/podcast43 Emily Ramsey with J. Smith Lanier in Chattanooga, risk management and insurance for large or high-risk companies, regardless of your location: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyramsey14/, http://www.jsmithlanier.com/ 5 minute IP Audit worksheet: http://awbfirm.com/podcast Contract template store: https://awbfirm.com/contract-templates/ This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Don't know where to start getting your creative business legally legit? Hosted by lawyer Autumn Witt Boyd, the Legal Road Map® podcast gives creative entrepreneurs the answers to your copyright, trademark, and business legal questions. Learn how to protect your rights and stay out of legal hot water, so you can confidently build your dream business. Whether you're just starting out and haven't done any legal work on your business, or are going through a transition or growth spurt and want to make sure you're covered, the Legal Road Map® podcast is a great tool to make sure you haven't missed any key legal protections for your business. Who is this podcast for? Creative business owners with big dreams at any point in your entrepreneurial journey. Who is Autumn? Autumn Witt Boyd has been a copyright, trademark, and business lawyer for more than 12 years and opened her own law office two years ago to work with creative business owners. Most of her clients are online business owners. More information and bio can be found at https://awbfirm.com/about . What will this podcast teach you? You'll learn how to protect your rights and stay out of legal hot water, so you can confidently build your dream business. Each episode will give you a high-level look at the legal protections you may need for your business, that you can either put in place yourself or hire your own lawyer to help with. For example: What contracts should you have? What the heck is a website privacy policy or terms and conditions? What should you protect with a copyright or trademark? Do you need an LLC or should you stay a sole proprietor? What should you do if a copycat steals your photos or content? What's the right way to respond to a cease and desist letter? When is using someone else's stuff fair use under the law? How should you hire employees or independent contractors? Season One - 12 episodes: Episode 1 - How legal can protect your business and make you more money Episode 2 - All about contracts, the most important legal protection for creative and online businesses Episode 3 - Every business with a website needs these documents in place Episode 4 - Do I need an LLC or corporation for my business? Plus licenses, insurance, EIN, and taxes Episode 5 - Intellectual Property for your business, copyrights, trademarks, patents and more Episode 6 - Trademark 101, choose a good business or product name and registration explained Episode 7 - Copyright 101, who owns what, plus the huge benefits of registering early Episode 8 - Copyright and Trademark 201, using other people's photos, videos, music and more, legally Episode 9 - Help! I just got a cease and desist letter, what do I do? Episode 10 - Make more money for your business by licensing your content and brand Episode 11 - Dealing with copycats who rip off your content and brand Episode 12 - Hiring contractors and employees the right way, with Ashley Cox of sproutHR Sign up below to get a free 10 Step Checklist to get your business legally legit (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information not legal advice specific to your situation

Are you considering selling your business, stepping back from it, or thinking of taking on a partner or investment to grow it further? Learn about many steps you can take early on to set yourself and your business up for success down the road when you're ready for an exit, in this month's series of podcast episodes. In this episode, I cover the legal basics you need to have in place before even thinking about leaving or stepping back in your business: The importance of making sure your contracts are airtight (and a resource to help if you're not sure yours are) Why your contracts need to be regularly revisited, especially if an exit is on the horizon The importance of choosing the right corporate entity Getting a handle on your business's intellectual property assets with an audit or inventory Key takeaway: A little preparation before you're ready to sell or take on a partner or investor in your business will take time and financial resources. But if you're planning to build your business to sell it so you can lounge on the beach with a cocktail in your hand, or take on investment so you can grow your business to the next level, planning for the future now has its benefits. Additional resources: Forbes.com article about Autumn: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyhoey/2018/09/20/podcasting-and-working-with-influencers-is-how-this-attorney-is-scaling-her-practice/#3199465331f5 AWB Firm Legal Road Map® checklist: www.awbfirm.com/checklist Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov SBA checklists: TSBDC Checklist and TSBDC Small Business Orientation Packet Customizable contract templates for online businesses: https://awbfirm.com/contract-templates/ Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Lewis Howes is an inspiring entrepreneur whose backstory is almost more amazing than the incredible success of his 7+ figure online business. In this case study, I cover how Lewis Howes: Used his area of expertise (sports) to spot a hole in the market and start building the online business he has today Utilized online and in-person networking to up-level his business Tests online product ideas by selling before creating (and some of the potentially serious legal consequences of doing this) Participates in affiliate marketing in his business, and a few things you MUST know if you earn commissions as an affiliate, too Key takeaway: As the saying goes, "start(ing) before you're ready" can produce incredible results for some business owners. But you have to make sure all of your necessary legal protections are in place first to avoid any sticky situations down the road. Additional Resources: Lewis Howes: https://lewishowes.com Lewis's affiliate page: https://lewishowes.com/resources Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Michael Hyatt has had a long, successful career ranging from traditional book publishing to the online space he operates in today. He has created and manages an interactive community platform, sells online courses, books, planners, subscription boxes, and runs a high level mastermind along with other live events. He and his business make for a fascinating case study of a robust and multifaceted online business. In this case study of Michael Hyatt I cover: How Michael's first business went under by growing too fast, and how you can potentially avoid the same mistakes Smart personal liability protections to put in place when starting your business (and why they may not 100% protect you if something goes wrong) How Michael created online training and resource platform by first writing a book If you run a membership or community, what you need to make sure is in your Terms of Use with your customers The special intellectual property considerations for physical products (Michael sells a planner) How to make sure you can use all the great photos you capture at live events in later marketing campaigns Key takeaway: A business with multiple profit centers can present a wide variety of potential legal issues. When you're playing at Michael's level, it's essential to have an experienced attorney who can help you with big-picture strategy and make sure you're protected Additional resources: Legal Road Map® podcast episodes: Copyrights & trademarks: 6, 7, 8 Michael Hyatt: https://michaelhyatt.com Platform University: https://platformuniversity.com/ Full Focus Planner: https://fullfocusplanner.com Amy Porterfield: http://amyporterfield.com/ Pat Flynn: https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/ Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Marie Forleo is arguably the original "multi-passionate entrepreneur". She manages to effortlessly incorporate her love of things like dance and hip-hop while operating a multimillion-dollar online marketing and development company and inspiring millions. In this episode, I did a case study on how Marie: Has built her digital marketing and development brand over a nearly 20-year (!!) career Successfully navigated collaborations - including when she created her signature product, B School Optimizes sales of her signature product through affiliate marketing - and how you can do the same in your business Protects her intellectual property while doing affiliate marketing Key takeaway: Business strategies like affiliate marketing can exponentially increase your sales and your bottom line if done properly. But if you don't work with an experienced lawyer to make sure you and your business are properly protected in the process, it could spell disaster. Additional resources: Legal Road Map® podcast episodes: GDPR - episodes 38, 39, 40 Marie Forleo's affiliate program for B School: https://marieforleobschool.com/bschool-affiliate-partner-info/ Marie Forleo: https://www.marieforleo.com/ B-School: https://marieforleobschool.com/ Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Danielle LaPorte's online business empire kicks off my September series of case studies. I'm pulling back the curtain of online businesses I admire and pointing out critical legal and business decisions, issues, and protections that helped them achieve their success. From Danielle's early days as a consultant to her current position as creator of one of the most recognizable lifestyle brands on the market, this episode covers investment, book deals, certification programs and more. In this episode, I cover how Danielle: Paid a high price from taking on investment the wrong way early on in her entrepreneurial journey Started her current business by going back to basics Leveraged her intellectual property to create an online content empire Navigated the world of self-publishing for her books Created a certification program (and what you should do to make sure your content and brand are protected) Grew from a one-on-one consultant to a global business that reaches millions Key takeaway: Choosing the right time to stop DIY'ing legal and start working with a lawyer can help you avoid potentially devastating missteps in your business. Additional resources: Legal Road Map® podcast episodes: Book deals - episodes 26, 27, 28, 29 Licensing - episodes 30, 31, 32, 33 Trademark - episodes 5, 6, 21, 25, 45 Copyright - episodes 5, 7, 52 Danielle LaPorte: http://www.daniellelaporte.com/ Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Learn all things copyright for your business in this joint podcast episode + training with lawyer Rachel Brenke. Copyright law is designed to protect creative works, but in order to take advantage of those protections, you have to take certain steps first. In this episode I cover: The many benefits of registering your copyrights, especially in licensing The importance of spelling out who retains ownership of creative works in contracts with independent contractors Why it's even more important to have a contract in place when working with friends and family Who has ownership of a podcast episode with a guest appearance When you can appropriately use the © or ® symbols What constitutes infringement Key takeaway: Copyright law can be complicated, with a lot of potentially expensive implications for your business. Working with a trusted attorney upfront can save you time, effort and money when it comes to enforcing your copyrights. Additional Resources: www.rachelbrenke.com Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Providing employee benefits is a great way to retain talented employees for the long-haul, but as an employer what is your responsibility and what rules and regulations do you have to follow? In this episode I cover: Vacation and PTO, and when rules and regulations kick in Which state you must consider when offering vacation and/or PTO Sick leave and family leave, and what jurisdiction's rules and regulations might apply The level of responsibility required when setting up a retirement plan for your employees Important considerations for health, disability, and life insurance Key takeaway: As a small business owner, there are many ways you can provide important employee benefits to make sure your employees are taken care of and protected in their personal lives, but you also need to make sure that you're providing benefits in a way that protects you and your business, so be sure to consult with a qualified benefits provider. Additional Resources: IRS guidance on providing benefits Department of Labor resource on fiduciary responsibilities Department of Labor info on FMLA Melissa Curtis - Woodall Agency Insurance- life, disability and long-term care insurance agent Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Having virtual team members classified as employees can carry complex legal considerations. This week I'm joined by our resident labor and employment whiz Michelle Coakley to talk about what you need to know to make sure your business is protected legally when it comes to having employees on your virtual team. In this episode I cover: The importance of properly classifying your workers Two reasons why the government cares how you classify your workers Best practice for how often you should audit your employment policy to check for federal and state & local compliance Why you should be sure to do regular performance reviews What you need to know about non-disclosure and non-compete agreements Key takeaway: Employment laws and ordinances can vary widely not only from state to state, but in some cases city to city. It's important to seek out the right kind of advisors (legal, financial, human resources, etc.) to make sure your business is protected when it comes to employment matters. Additional Resources: Episode 12: Hiring employees and contractors the right way(with FREE download) Episode 37: Labor & employment chat with AWB Attorney Michelle Coakley LastPass Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Having a virtual team is a great way to grow your business, but how do you make sure you are properly classifying your team members? In this episode, I'll explain what you need to know about building and managing a virtual team. In this episode I cover: How W-2 employee vs. 1099 independent contractor affects taxes and regulations The biggest factor that determines who is or isn't an employee What you should be sure to include in your contracts Who owns the intellectual property created by an independent contractor The downside of including a non-compete clause in a contract Key takeaway: It can be tricky to determine if one of your team members is an independent contractor or an employee. Make sure you consult with a trusted attorney when building your team to avoid issues down the road. Additional Resources: Episode 12: Hiring employees and contractors the right way (with FREE download) Episode 37: Labor & employment chat with AWB Attorney Michelle Coakley Sign up below to get a free Employee vs. Independent Contractor Cheat Sheet. This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

In this episode, I explain what you need to know about taxes for location-independent businesses from a legal standpoint. Whether you're running a location-independent or virtual business, or you have locations or customers in other states, one fact remains the same, your business has to pay taxes! In this episode I cover: The different types of taxes your business may have to pay What you need to prepare for if you sell to customers in a state outside the state where your business is registered Registering in other states where you have employees or customers The consequences you could face if you don't pay your taxes Some free resources to help Key takeaway: No matter which state your 6-7 figure+ location-independent business calls home, you have to pay taxes. Make sure you're not at risk for a potentially costly audit by seeking the advice of a professional. Resources mentioned: Small Business Administration Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Operating a location-independent or online business may mean you have to register in other states where you are doing business. But what constitutes "doing business" in another state? And what could be the consequences of not registering as a foreign entity? In this episode I cover: Why registering as a foreign entity could apply to online businesses as well as location-independent businesses What constitutes "doing business" in another state The tricky nuances of having independent contractors in other states Why failing to register in the appropriate state could prevent you from being able to file suit The consequences of not registering as a foreign entity in states where you do business Key takeaway: Fifty states can mean 50 different answers when it comes to doing business in a state outside your own. Seeking the advice of a trusted lawyer can prevent a legal nightmare for your location-independent business. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Legal for location-independent businesses can be a totally different ballgame and is not an area you want to DIY. This episode is the first of a 3-episode series on running a location-independent business. In this episode I cover: Considerations for choosing the right corporate entity for your location-independent business Where to set up your entity What a registered agent is, and why you might need one, especially if you're location independent How to handle your business's address (you usually can't use a P.O. Box) Why you need to consult with a tax expert Choosing a bank that will work for you, wherever you're located in the world Key takeaway: Making sure you have your legal ducks in a row will allow you to truly enjoy the freedom that a location-independent business provides. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

When are you violating someone else's trademark rights? OR, flip-side, when should you get in touch with someone you think might be infringing your trademark and ask them to change it? How can you interpret your search results when you type your trademark into the USPTO website? I received this great question in an online business community, CoCommercial, and realized I've never dug into how lawyers, courts, and the USPTO evaluate when trademarks are too close. This is a meaty episode on a complex topic, where I covered: Consumer confusion - what trademark law is intended to prevent, and why this matters Who has "priority rights" over a trademark in the US When might you need to evaluate whether one trademark is too similar to another? How to figure out if trademarks are too close Does it matter if one trademark has a few extra words? What about different spelling? When are two logos too similar? Does it matter if someone copied a trademark intentionally, or by accident? Examples of trademarks that are and are not too similar When you need to bring in an experienced IP attorney to help you evaluate a potential trademark infringement Key takeaway: trademarks do not have to be identical to potentially be infringing! If you have questions about whether one trademark is too close to another, post them in our Legal Road Map® Facebook group! Just request access and we'll let you right in. Next month we're diving into the legal issues that come up with running a location-independent business. You will definitely want to tune in if you've ever thought about living that laptop life and traveling the world while running your business! Tune in next week for the first episode in this series. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Virtual Chief Operating Officer (COO). business strategist, and project manager Emily Allen and I discussed how a virtual COO can help your business. Learn how you can stop getting distracted by all those shiny objects and actually meet your goals! We chatted about why PLANNING is so critical to growing your business to seven- or eight-figures, and why it's so hard for most entrepreneurs to find the time to do it. Emily explained how a good project manager can help you prioritize which projects are going to help you achieve your big goals, and break them down into pieces so you can actually tackle them, or delegate to team members. And, we talked about tracking project progress and outcomes to be sure you're actually achieving what you set out to do. Emily shared some of the benefits clients gain from working with a virtual COO or project manager, especially making sure you have the right team members in place and are filling their plates with the right tasks. We talked about when it makes sense to bring in a project manager or virtual COO -- this is not something a new business owner needs, but is critical when moving from six to seven figures. I gave some insight to the changes I've seen in my own business after just a few weeks of working with Emily, and a few of my own a-ha moments. And Emily talked about some mistakes business owners make trying to scale rapidly on their own without bringing in an experienced business strategist. Emily Allen is a Virtual COO (Chief Operating Officer) for small to medium-sized woman-owned companies that don't yet require the services of a full-time COO, but have the need for more strategy, more time to work on what they do best, and more structure with systems and processes without giving up more of their time. Her main focus is on execution. Through working together, she is able to help define/refine the business strategy and provide accountability for execution to the appropriate members of the team. She ensures that the company's everyday activities run smoothly and that there is a company-wide strategic plan in place to support the vision of the company. Emily brings her experience in business planning and project management from her previous corporate life. Emily is a wife, mom of 3 kiddos, certified project management professional living in northeastern Wisconsin and loves all things planning and organizing. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Bookkeeper and financial advisor Heather Pranitis from Number Nerd Bookkeeping Solutions and I talked about why you need to know the numbers in your business if you want to scale to seven-figures. We talked about what numbers you should be keeping your eye on (overhead! profitability!) as you grow. Heather also explained what a bookkeeper can help with, and why it's worth talking with one early in your business when you're still keeping your own books, to make sure you are set up and recording things correctly. We also chatted about when is the right time to hire a bookkeeper, and how to find someone who understands YOUR business's revenue streams and systems. Heather stressed how your professional advisors (attorney, CPA, bookkeeper) should work together and be able to talk to each other to support your growing business. Heather outlined the benefits of working with a bookkeeper, including understanding what your numbers really mean, getting time back by outsourcing bookkeeping, and gaining an outsider's perspective and analysis of your business's finances. Then we went down the rabbit hole of how it might cost you more, in the long run, to keep your own books once your revenues reach a certain point, especially if you are using Paypal or Stripe or running payroll. You can find more from Heather and Number Nerd at http://numbernerdbookkeepingsolutions.com/ and Heather likes to hang out on Instagram as @numbernerdbookkeeping Find Heather's business workflow templates (they're awesome) here: http://numbernerdbookkeepingsolutions.com/business-workflow-templates/ Number Nerd Bookkeeping Solutions is a full-service virtual bookkeeping firm that helps individuals and businesses of all sizes get their numbers in order. Number Nerd offers monthly bookkeeping and payroll packages, QuickBooks file reviews, QuickBooks training, accounting software setup, accounting cleanup, and business process consulting services to their clients around the world. Owned and operated by experienced bookkeeper and accounting workflow consultant, Heather Pranitis, Number Nerd excels at delivering customized solutions to bookkeeping challenges, easy-to-read financial reports, and simple answers to tough finance-related questions. The Number Nerd team partners with their clients to improve bookkeeping processes and establish good accounting habits. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Tax advisor and financial strategist Melissa Whaley and I talk about why having a tax pro on your team is essential as you grow your business towards seven- or eight-figures! Learn the benefits of working with a financial advisor, how a pro can save money both short-term and long-term, and some pitfalls of DIY'ing this area of your business. Melissa also explained the tax advantages to filing taxes as an S corporation, and when a business owner should at least have a consultation with a financial advisor who can help with tax planning. We even talked about how you can lose the liability protection an LLC or corporation provides for your personal assets if you are commingling personal and business funds (piercing the corporate veil). You can find more from Melissa at https://melissawhaley.com/ Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

This month is all about building your team of professional advisors to reach your seven- and eight-figure business goals. I'm teaching why it's crucial to have a CPA or tax professional, bookkeeper, operations or business manager (COO), financial advisor or CFO, and yes of course a lawyer!, as well as other advisors, on your team. In this episode I cover: How new businesses can begin building your professional network of "advisors" even if you're not ready to hire them yet When business owners should hire experts The types of experts a seven- or eight-figure business needs How to find the right experts to work with your business Why you should budget for these professional services The benefits of hiring the right professionals to help you plan your business's growth How our firm works with businesses on retainer for predictable, consistent legal guidance (it may surprise you!) I'll also be interviewing a few of my favorite pros in these categories later this month, you don't want to miss it! Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

In our third and final GDPR mini-training ("GDPR" is the European Union's new General Data Protection Regulation), I covered: What the GDPR is (briefly!) Changes US businesses may need to make with their website if they use cookies How do you know if your website uses cookies? (hint: if you use the Facebook ad pixel, Google analytics, or other ways to track your website visitors to other sites or target advertising to them, you're using cookies!) Three options for US businesses to comply with GDPR if they use cookies, including pop-ups, banners, and an "I agree" button Recommended plug-ins to get your website GDPR compliant Steps you can take right now in your business to comply with GDPR, not just with cookies Ready to download our updated GDPR-compliant privacy policy template and get a free GDPR checklist? You can find it here: www.awbfirm.com/gdpr/ Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

In our second GDPR mini-training ("GDPR" is the European Union's new General Data Protection Regulation), I covered: What the GDPR is (briefly!) Changes US businesses may need to make with their email marketing, list building, lead magnets, opt-ins, downloadables, freebies, contact us forms, and checkout procedures for digital and physical products Three options for US businesses to comply with GDPR in their opt-ins, including checkboxes on forms, double opt-ins, and more transparency Do you need to delete your whole list, or do a re-engagement campaign? What "consent" means under GDPR Ready to download our updated GDPR-compliant privacy policy template? You can find it here: www.awbfirm.com/gdpr/ Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast for a transcript and show notes, and sign up to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

You may have heard about the "GDPR," the European Union's new General Data Protection Regulation. This huge change to the legal rules in the EU will affect all U.S. companies that have a website, and goes into effect May 25, 2018. Each week this month on the podcast, I'm releasing a mini-training on GDPR, to break down the law into smaller, more digestible parts. In this week's first GDPR mini-training episode, you'll learn: What the GDPR is Which businesses need to comply Penalties you could face if you don't comply An overview of the changes required by the law (Ready to download our updated GDPR-compliant privacy policy template? You can find it here. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit. You'll learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (you can also sign up there to be the first to know when new episodes are live and receive other legal updates and special offers from the AWB Firm). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

We're talking labor and employment legal matters this week with our own Michelle Coakley! Join us as we discuss important employment law tips you need to know if you're looking to grow your team. Listen and learn: Why 'control' is the keyword to think about when determining whether to go, independent contractor or employee, The challenges of working with employees or independent contractors in different states or countries If and when contracts are necessary when you're hiring an employee How helpful detailed job descriptions can be Which questions you should avoid asking on any job application you create Things to keep in mind when it comes to terminating an employee KEY TAKEAWAY: Labor and employment issues can seem completely overwhelming to creative entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their team, and this type of issue can be extremely complicated. Working with an attorney is a cost-effective way to avoid expensive issues down the road. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Jenny Shih of the Success Your Way podcast joins us to talk about the importance of knowing when it's time to pivot your business and how crucial work-life balance is to online entrepreneurs. Listen and learn: When is the perfect time to hire help How to tell if it's time to shift your business model The pros and cons of a one-on-one vs. group model Why finding balance in life is good for business The importance of understanding any contract you sign KEY TAKEAWAY: Many people set out to work for themselves so they have more control over their schedule, but much of the time the opposite becomes true. Setting boundaries and being clear on what work-life balance looks like to you will help your business succeed. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

We've all probably heard a partnership or collaboration horror story or two. Join me in this week's episode to learn ways to protect your partnership or collaboration from the start. Listen and learn: The four essentials to address before you partner up What type of agreement can help you gain ownership of work created by your independent contractor How even email can save your partnership or collaboration KEY TAKEAWAY: Get it in writing! No matter how advanced you are or aren't in your business, spelling out the essentials in clear, plain language from the beginning can save you a lot of headache(and legal fees) down the road. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast to sign up for a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

In this week's episode, Corinne Crabtree of Phit-N-Phat shares valuable insights from year 10 in business. Join us to hear about her experience in transitioning from a hobby to a thriving and quickly-growing business. Listen and learn: Why building community is so important and can help extend your business's reach How to deal with the criticism that comes with growing in your business How contracts can protect your friendship when you're working with friends How important streamlining your client experience can be A valuable mindset shift to help you transition into the person you want to be KEY TAKEAWAY: Sometimes our business callings find us. When navigating the unique issues of unexpectedly starting and growing a business - from website privacy policies to employee/contractor contracts - it's essential to have a trusted lawyer who knows your business inside and out. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Giving someone permission to use your process, teaching method, or body of work can feel overwhelming. This week's episode covers many of the important things to consider when you're developing a licensing agreement. Listen and learn: A good litmus test for creating your licensing program rules and regulations The the three elements that every licensing agreement needs How advances and royalties work under a licensing agreement The pros and cons of having a territory clause The most important word to keep an eye out for in a licensing agreement KEY TAKEAWAY: From payment arrangements to use of social media and termination clauses, there are a lot of things to make sure you get right in your licensing agreement. Working with a trusted legal advisor can make sure that your work or program is experienced the way you designed it to be, whether you're the one sharing it or not. Sign up below for a 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Join us this week when we talk with Anna Guest Jelley about her experience developing and growing a training and certification business. Listen and learn: Why working with an attorney from day 1 may not always be the best route for a certification business How thinking 'big picture' from the start can help with scaling down the road How a certification program can allow you to focus on the things you love doing most in your business How scaling back (even if it's every once in a while) can actually help you grow your business KEY TAKEAWAY: Certification programs can increase your reach in ways you never imagined. Working with a trusted attorney along the way ensures that your business growth is smart and strategic. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Have you created phenomenal content or an amazing method, and now you want to give permission to someone else to use it? If you're considering creating a licensing or certification program this week's episode will walk you through the top things to think about before you start. Listen and learn: How a licensing program can help you avoid burnout Why you'll want to consider trademark registration before creating your licensing program How registering your copyrights is really the only way to fully protect the elements of your licensing program Why you need to understand your rights and ownership over every part of your program before you license KEY TAKEAWAY: Licensing or certification programs can be beneficial for everyone involved. But in order to make sure that you and your licensees are protected, it's important to work with a trusted legal advisor on making sure your trademark and copyrights protections are in place. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast to sign up to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Tara Gentile, author and the founder of CoCommercial, joins us this week to share how she pivoted her business model to help turn small business owners into tomorrow's economic powerhouses. Listen and learn: The less common motivation behind registering your trademark Why consulting your ideal customer can help you fine-tune your perfect product How a licensing program can broaden your reach How understanding the difference between an independent contractor and an employee can help make the hiring leap less scary KEY TAKEAWAY: When you "don't know what you don't know", legal can seem intimidating. But sometimes doing your due diligence and tackling something scary like legal can open doors to help you grow your business more effectively. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

If you've written a book or are in the process of writing a book, join me for this week's episode where I discuss protecting the intellectual property in your book. You pour your heart and soul into the body of work you create. Protecting the intellectual property in your book is essential to making sure all of your hard work continues to work for you and not for others. Listen and learn: Why early copyright registration is essential to protecting yourself and your book What elements of your book are covered by copyright The potential cost of a copyright infringement lawsuit What you should know about co-author agreements How contracts can save you when working with independent contractors Why you might not be able to trademark your book title KEY TAKEAWAY: There are a lot of moving parts involved in writing a book, and it can be overwhelming to make sure your legal house is in order. A trusted legal advisor can help make sure you and your book are protected before you publish. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Mary Beth Storjohann, founder of Workable Wealth, shares her experience of doing business in a highly regulated industry and the challenges of self-publishing a book. Listen and learn: The one thing you should consider hiring out from the start when doing business in a highly regulated industry Which responsibility will fall to you whether you go traditional or self-publish your book How taking a workflow audit can help make sure your client contracts cover everything Why leaning on a group of competitors for advice isn't always a bad thing KEY TAKEAWAY: DIY can get you pretty far in business and in publishing. But knowing when to bring in legal help can make the difference between reaching your goal or falling short. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Publishing a book is a tricky process to navigate. Traditional publishing and self-publishing both bring their own set of unique challenges. This week's episode lays the foundation for understanding the process of publishing a book as well as some of the legal issues you'll need to keep in mind. Listen and learn: What the role of an agent is (and where their expertise ends) How a trusted lawyer can bring value whether an agent is involved or not The important questions to ask about royalties and advances Why a multiple book deal isn't always best The benefits that both traditional publishing and self-publishing can offer KEY TAKEAWAY: A book deal can be the gateway to growing your business and reaching your big goals (or it may be the goal itself!). Having a trusted legal advisor's help along the way can ensure your book gets you where you want to go instead. Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast for a transcript and show notes, and sign up to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.

Being Boss® founders, Kathleen Shannon and Emily Thompson, share valuable insights about partnering with others in business and the ins and outs of publishing a book. Listen and learn: Why you should have Terms and Conditions on your website How getting a registered trademark can be motivation to level-up in your business How essential an Operating Agreement is when partnering with others Why self-publishing may not be the best route for your book How having a trusted tribe of bosses can be so valuable in navigating business decisions KEY TAKEAWAY: Legal may not always be necessary early on in business, but it can be essential when you're partnering with others. Working with a lawyer who knows your business can help you and your partner(s) reach your long term vision through short term goals. Sign up below to get a free 5 Minute Intellectual Property Audit to learn how you can make more money from the copyrights and trademarks in your business (plus be the first to know when new episodes are live). This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.