Category: Blog

Protecting Your Custom Software Development

If you are a custom software developer, the best thing you can do to protect your invention is to have in your arsenal a customized software development agreement tailored to your specific business. Developing code is a unique enterprise. Just like you would never borrow someone’s code to develop your software, you should never borrow some other software developers’ contracts or agreements to protect your work. At JGPC Business Law we assist software developers in drafting custom software...

Getting Your LLC Documentation in Order

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Written by JGPC Business Law on July 10, 2019. Updated May 2026. Proper LLC documentation is essential for protecting business owners from personal liability and maintaining the legal protections offered by a limited liability company. Failing to maintain required formation and operational documents can expose LLC members to personal financial risk and create serious legal problems for the business. Two nightmare scenarios can turn a business enterprise from a dream into a horror story...

Asset Protection Attorney – Protect Assets from Creditors

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Written by JGPC Business Law on July 19, 2019. Updated June 2026. Asset protection helps business owners separate personal wealth from business liabilities and reduce the risk that personal assets could be exposed to creditors, lawsuits, or business debts. Establishing the proper legal structure and implementing asset protection strategies early can help safeguard your financial future if challenges arise. Everyone who opens a business does so with the intention of making a...

What Do IP Attorneys Do and When Do You Need One?

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Written by JGPC Business Law on September 30, 2017. Updated June 2026. An intellectual property (IP) attorney helps businesses protect valuable assets such as trademarks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and proprietary processes. Working with an IP attorney early can help prevent infringement issues, protect competitive advantages, and strengthen the long-term value of your business. Ideas, creative inventions and processes, and trademarks are what help give you an edge over your...

What Happens in a Legal Mediation Proceeding?

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Written by JGPC Business Law on June 27, 2017. Updated June 2026. Legal mediation is a voluntary or court-ordered dispute resolution process in which a neutral third party helps opposing sides negotiate a mutually acceptable solution. Mediation is often faster, less expensive, and more flexible than litigation, making it a valuable option for resolving many business disputes. There are several ways a California business dispute can be resolved, but litigation is usually not the...

What is Civil Litigation?

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Written by JGPC Business Law on June 7, 2017. Updated June 2026. Civil litigation is the legal process used to resolve disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations through the court system. When negotiation, mediation, or arbitration are unsuccessful, civil litigation may provide a way to protect legal rights, enforce contracts, recover damages, or resolve complex business disputes. What is Civil Litigation and When is a Lawyer Needed? Disputes and disagreements...

What are the Benefits of Patent Pending Status?

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Written by JGPC Business Law on April 24, 2017. Updated June 2026. Patent pending status allows inventors and businesses to publicly indicate that a patent application has been filed while the invention is under review. Although patent-pending status does not provide the full legal protections of an issued patent, it can help establish priority, discourage infringement, and demonstrate your commitment to protecting your intellectual property. It is well known that patents can provide...

JGPC Law - Alameda County Business and Corporate Mediation Attorneys

Software Patents and Alice in the Looking Glass

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Written by JGPC Business Law on April 21, 2017. Updated June 2026. Author: Gerald R. Prettyman, J.D., LL.M. Software patents remain one of the most complex areas of intellectual property law. While software-related inventions can still qualify for patent protection in certain circumstances, businesses and developers must carefully evaluate patent eligibility requirements and work closely with experienced intellectual property counsel. The public tends to believe the purpose of...

How to Legally Protect Your Inventions and Ideas

Written by JGPC Business Law.

An idea can be worth a million dollars – to you or to your competitor – which is why it is important to take steps to protect your inventions and ideas. Unfortunately, many California business owners fail to take reasonable and simple measures to prevent competitors from learning about these valuable ideas and inventions. A small business owner can be especially disadvantaged if the competitor not only learns of the idea or invention but takes steps to protect that very same idea or invention...

What to Do Before You Disclose

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Author: Gerald R. Prettyman, J.D., LL.M. A question high on the list of first asked questions to a Patent Attorney, is “what do I need to protect my idea before I talk to an investor, (a manufacturer or licensor), etc. The answer, or answers as a inventor should take multiple steps, are not complicated. The first step is to record the idea in writing. While many inventors are reluctant to putting the idea in writing with the thought that doing so limits them to only what is in writing, not...