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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...

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Legal Challenges Facing Logistics Companies

This year continues to be one of the most challenging years for the logistics industry. The implementation and subsequent roll back of federal emissions regulations coupled with the controversial showdown between the federal government and California regarding revoking the state’s authority to set its own emissions standards and the Corvid-19 pandemic will consume the industry for the next several years. The redrawing of trade maps, Great Britain in the European Union or out of it, and with whom...

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How to Protect Yourself from Negative Reviews as a Business Owner

Most online reviews, including nasty ones, are protected under the free speech clause of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. However, a business owner can sue a commentator for defamation if they post factually incorrect information. A false factual statement that hurts your business is not protected by the free speech clause of the Constitution. Absent such falsity, written misbehavior recorded online is part and parcel of business today. Even if the business does not have an online...

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The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act

The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address...

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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information Sheet

Click Here for the Paycheck Protection Program Application The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone. The loan amounts will be forgiven as long as: The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs over the 8 week period after the loan is made; andEmployee and compensation...

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Avoiding Legal Actions Between Partners

A partnership is one of the easiest businesses to establish. Start-up costs tend to be lower than for many other types of business structures, such as an LLC or corporation. Partners tend to have more access to capital and greater borrowing capacity because they can fund their business with their personal assets. However, they do risk losing their business and personal assets if the partnership fails, like sole proprietors. In a rush to get their business started, the partners may put off...

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Corporate Protection Against Verbal Abuse in the Workplace

California does not have laws against verbal abuse in the workplace. There are prohibitions against harassment in the workplace monitored by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), but they usually do not include verbal abuse or bullying unless it is continuing and systematic. Companies must confront verbal abuse in the workplace, whether the employee committing the abuse is a supervisor or a co-employee. Obviously, management tends to disfavor a verbally abusive manager or...

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Setting Up a Small Business HR Department

Starting a Business Also Means Setting Up a Human Resources Department At first, many small businesses manage their human resources function with spreadsheets. As the business grows, this system is less than effective because it does not scale well. Setting up a human resources department within a new or established company takes work, but with a solid plan and great legal advice from experienced corporate lawyers, your human resources department can be up and running in no time. Every...

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Getting Your LLC Documentation in Order

There are two nightmare scenarios that can turn a business enterprise from a dream into a horror story when a limited liability company’s (LLC) documentation is not in order. First, a failed LLC in California is treated as a general partnership for all purposes. Second, if you are a member of the failed LLC, you will lose the protection of your personal assets from the LLC’s debts and liabilities. Small businesses frequently get started in a rush and are lacking in organization. As a result,...

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Questions to Ask When Raising Money to Start or Grow Your Business

Businesses require capital or money to run and get off the ground. Once established, a cash infusion may be the only way your business can grow and obtain new customers or markets. When it comes time to raise money to start or grow your business the first step is to determine your comfort level with risk. Are You Comfortable With Risk? Depending on the structure of your business, protection of individual assets, is always an important consideration when forming or growing your business....

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JGPC Business Law is a business law firm providing cost-effective, quality legal services to privately held businesses, corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), general partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), limited partnerships (LP), trusts, business start ups, entrepreneurs, business owners, managers, executives, investors, buyers & sellers throughout the Tri-Valley and the East Bay Area, including Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, San Ramon, Danville, Walnut Creek, Castro Valley, Fremont, Tracy, Modesto, Manteca, Stockton and all of Alameda County and Contra Costa County. We are here to serve all of your business and corporate law needs.