September is National Service Dog Month! As we celebrate and commemorate these incredible animals and their teams this month, it is important to think beyond the fluffy-tailed cuteness to have a discussion regarding some of the everyday realities that service animal teams experience, and how this impacts your alcoholic beverage business. What Do Service Animals…
Choosing a trademark can be one of the most exciting parts about building your business. Your trademark should represent your brand and identify your company as the source of your brand’s goods or services. It is important to choose a strong trademark which will offer greater protectability and less risk to potential infringements and challenges.…
Halloween is almost upon us, and as it approaches, trademark owners must be alert of something especially frightening. Recently, our firm has received another scam letter for trademark renewal fees. The letter, which says it was sent from the “Patent & Trademark Bureau,” is requesting for us to pay a $925 renewal fee for our…
An unprecedented or unexpected event or set of circumstances can throw a wrench into our contracted relationships and expectations. COVID-19 is just such an event and his having just such an impact.
Managing your business during a crisis is never easy. The difficulty is compounded when the crisis is in your business AND all around you. Right now, as business owners and managers, you’re facing tough decisions about your staff and your business while staring down the barrel of uncertainty.
Recently we had a potential client contact us because the NC ABC threatened to shut down his alcohol establishment. Sounds sad, but we discovered a major compliance issue. The man, let’s say his name was George, was part owner of a nightclub in Downtown Raleigh. He received a letter from the ABC on Friday morning.…
*This information is taken from ‘Restrictive Covenants in Employment Agreements by Jonathan Wall, partner with Higgins Benjamin PLLC in Greensboro, NC. This information was given as a Continuing Legal Education Class (CLE) on February 3, 2016. *This article is specific to North Carolina law. Noncompete Agreements Noncompete agreements or covenant not to compete prevent an…
*Please keep in mind that this is information is specific to North Carolina law. Contact an attorney in your state to find out specific information about this. A couple of weeks ago one of our clients who owns a brewery in NC informed us that the ALE was cracking down on dogs in the brewery’s…
*This information is taken from the North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC). To read the entire packet, click here. *We also have a blog post on how to finance your business. Buying an Existing Business Always evaluate the business by reviewing its history and its operations. Learn the business’s marketing strategies, how…
*This information is taken from the North Carolina Rural Entrepreneurship Development System and the NC Department of Commerce Business ServiCenter. The packet is entitled “Fueling Your Business in North Carolina: A Guide to Financing for Small Businesses” and can be viewed here. How do you Plan on Financing your Business? Many people use the…
The information for this blog post can be viewed here. This information pertains to North Carolina. Important tips to practice: Know the difference between an employee and an independent contractor. Always have a written agreement for independent contractors that details his or her service. Keep records of your employees. Employee records should have the…
The information for this blog post can be viewed here. This information pertains to North Carolina. Some Dos & Don’ts of Businesses: Do NOT sell stock, membership interests, bonds, etc. without consulting an attorney. Stock, membership interests, bonds, etc. may be considered securities and regulated at the state and federal level. You do not want…
Trade Secrets The information for this blog post can be viewed here. This information pertains to North Carolina. Don’t disclose or reveal information that you want secret. Include trade secrets in non-disclosure agreements. Trade secrets are usually related to technology, such as formulas, methods, processes, or businesses with merger discussions. Trade secrets have commercial value…
The information for this blog post can be viewed here. This information pertains to North Carolina. Below are some general tips for business contracts: Make sure all parties’ names are correct with the correct titles. Number all of the pages. Contracts should be in writing for: Transfer of land, easements, mortgages, deeds of trust, leases,…
Playing Music on Your Premise Information for the blog post can be viewed here. For more information regarding music licensing and managing your restaurant/taproom, please visit www.restaurant.org. The legality surrounding music licensing and playing music in your brewery/distillery is a hot topic. So hot, in fact, that CBC had a seminar on the topic (“Pulling…
Part 7 *This information is taken from the Small Business Center Network (SBCN), part of the North Carolina Community College System, and full packet, entitled “How to Develop a Business Plan” can be viewed here. *This blog is Part 5 of a series on small business guidance. Stay tuned for more blogs. Check out Part 1, Part…
Part 6 *This information is taken from the Small Business Center Network (SBCN), part of the North Carolina Community College System, and the full packet, entitled “How to Develop a Business Plan” can be viewed here. *This blog is Part 5 of a series on small business guidance. Stay tuned for more blogs. Check out…
Part 5 *This information is taken from the Small Business Center Network (SBCN), part of the North Carolina Community College System, and full packet, entitled “How to Develop a Business Plan” can be viewed here. *This blog is Part 5 of a series on small business guidance. Stay tuned for more blogs. Check out Part…
Part 4 *This information is taken from the Small Business Center Network (SBCN), part of the North Carolina Community College System, and full packet, entitled “How to Develop a Business Plan” can be viewed here. *This blog is Part 4 of a series on small business guidance. Stay tuned for more blogs. Check out Part…
Part 3 *This information is taken from the Small Business Center Network (SBCN), part of the North Carolina Community College System, and full packet, entitled “How to Develop a Business Plan” can be viewed here. *This blog is Part 3 of a series on small business guidance. Stay tuned for more blogs. Check out Part…