Richard Chapo

Google Data Retention Legal Issues

Google often touts its motto as "do no evil," but fails to follow through. The area of user privacy is one that Google is clearly abusing more than other companies, but is it all Google's fault? Data retention. It sounds like a boring IT issue, but it... Read >

Practical Differences between LLCs and Corporations

When considering business entities, it can be easy to lose the forest for the trees. Half the battle is simply understanding the different language used for LLCs and corporations. When it comes to the language of business entities, the first issue is ... Read >

What Are Professional Corporations?

Many professionals are barred from forming limited liability companies or basic corporations for their practices. Instead, there only option is often to form a professional corporation. When it comes to business entities, there are many forms a busines... Read >

Dealing with Client Problems

If you own a business, sooner or later you are going to run into a situation where you screw something up. This situation can be an opportunity or disaster all depending on how you handle it. To error is human, or so the cliché goes. If you are older... Read >

Selling Equity In Your Business to Raise Funds

Whether you are just starting a new business or need a cash infusion, the idea of selling an ownership interest will come to mind at some point. The question is whether this is a good idea or not. A business is in many ways the realization of a dream.... Read >

A Key Step For New Business Owners

Many a guru has opined on the keys to business success. While everyone has an opinion, I am going to focus on a more practical step you can take that will make a big difference. So, what is this magical step? It is to find a good accountant. Not exact... Read >

Avoid Common Business Start-Up Mistakes

If you are considering starting up a business, you are facing both an exciting and stressful time. To succeed, you should avoid the common mistakes many new business owners make. The motivation to start a business is usually derived from a dream. You ... Read >

Documenting Decisions with Your LLC

The limited liability company is a popular business entity choice for small businesses. One reason is the lack of formality, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't document certain decisions. A limited liability company is a business entity that combines... Read >

You Can Trademark a Lot More Than You Think

Discussing a trademark in general is often difficult. Why? It has to do with the fact that you can trademark many things that are unique and entirely different. When a person thinks of a trademark, most picture a logo of some sort. The swooping Coca C... Read >

The Role of Trademarks

Once you start conducting business, you are going to start running into the topic of intellectual property and trademarks. Understanding the role of a trademark will help you grasp why they are important. A trademark is a unique form of intellectual p... Read >

International Trademarks and the Madrid Protocol

Protecting your logo and so on with a trademark is a smart move. Ah, but what about protecting it in the United States AND internationally? Filling for a trademark is a smart move for practically any business. Although the process can be lengthy, the f... Read >

Can You Trademark Your Business Name?

A trademark is a distinctive image, word or other thing that associates with a product or service. So, can you trademark your business name? Most people think trademarks are logo oriented. In some ways, this is true. The Nike Swoosh is clearly a logo t... Read >

Using A Mark You Cannot Trademark – Be Careful

When coming up with a logo or mark, there are plenty of options. Sometimes, people make a choice that cannot be trademarked and this leads to problems. When you start a business, you probably have visions of huge success. At the same time, it can be d... Read >

When a Corporation or LLC Does Not Provide Liability Protection

Most people form and use business entities for one primary purpose - to protect themselves from personal liability for the debts of the business. This protection, however, can be lost. A corporation or LLC provides protection from personal liability f... Read >

Running a Corporation – Shareholders and Directors

If you form a corporation for a business, it can become very confusing when the issue of running the actual business arises. For instance, what is the difference between shareholders and directors? The corporation is the oldest formal business entity w... Read >