A sole proprietorship is different from most other business structures in that there is a close identification between the company and the owner. It is possible to sell a sole proprietorship just as it is possible to sell any other type of business. However, because...
Intellectual properties include trademarks and patents. You may register and protect them through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. As noted by USTPO.gov, trademarks consist of symbols or words describing your brand, product or service. Patents reflect a unique...
Starting a new business is exciting, and pooling your talents and resources with a partner can help to ensure the success of your venture. Unfortunately, an estimated 70% of business partnerships fail, according to Inc. Avoid these mistakes that can lead to...
Many independent contractors in the current workforce struggle with collecting payments from clients. In fact, an unfortunately large amount - perhaps including yourself - run up against customers who will not pay you after you have held up your end of the contract....
A buy/sell agreement protects businesses with many owners from disputes over succession. If an owner retires or leaves the company, the agreement provides a template for transferring value to the remaining owners. Continue reading to learn some basic mistakes to avoid...
You hear the term “due diligence” a lot in the business world, especially in the areas of acquisitions and mergers. But what does this term mean? What does it require of you? As explained by the Corporate Finance Institute, due diligence is the extensive investigative...
A patent is a type of intellectual property that grants the patent holder the right to exclude others from making, selling, importing or using their unique invention or innovation for 20 years. The United States Patent and Trademark Office issues these rights. Patent...
Starting a business with a partner can be the beginning of an exciting venture. Whether you and your partner came up with the idea together or your partner joined you down the road, your team likely gave your business the boost it needed to get started. As time goes...
When a company becomes an acquisition target, the due diligence process begins with a long and detailed request for specific information. It may come from a broker, investment banker or potential buyer. The requested information goes into a marketing book to present...
Your trademark is important to your business. Many trademarks serve as a public identifier for a company. So if someone uses your trademark without your permission, you face harm to your business since the infringer might use your mark to promote inferior goods or...