Category: Blog

JGPC Law - Alameda County Business and Corporate Mediation Attorneys

Nondisclosure Agreements for Technology Companies

Updated August, 2026. Technology companies often possess valuable information that cannot or should not be protected through traditional intellectual property registrations. This article explains how carefully drafted nondisclosure agreements, combined with appropriate internal security practices, can help companies protect trade secrets and other proprietary information. Key Takeaways NDAs can protect valuable information that may fall outside traditional patent,...

What Constitutes Copyright Infringement?

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Copyright law protects original creative works from certain forms of unauthorized copying and use. This article explains the basic rights of copyright owners, what may constitute infringement, and why similarities between two works do not necessarily establish that infringement has occurred. Key Takeaways Copyright registration can provide important legal benefits and is generally necessary before bringing an infringement lawsuit involving a U.S. work in federal court. Copyright protects...

Securities Law for Startups Part I

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Raising capital can create securities law obligations even for small, privately held startups. This article introduces the basic concept of securities, explains why federal and state securities laws regulate their offer and sale, and discusses why startups should determine the appropriate registration exemption and compliance requirements before seeking investments. Key Takeaways Selling stock or other investment interests can trigger federal and state securities laws. Securities include...

What is Crowdfunding? (and how can it help your startup?)

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Crowdfunding gives startups a way to raise money from a large group of supporters or investors through online platforms. While donation- and rewards-based campaigns may help businesses fund projects or introduce products, securities crowdfunding allows eligible startups to raise investment capital under specific federal securities rules. Key Takeaways Crowdfunding allows businesses to raise money from a large number of people online. Crowdfunding may involve donations, product pre-sales,...

Business Disputes That Require a Business Attorney

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Some business disagreements can be resolved informally, while others present significant legal, operational, or financial risks. This article discusses several types of disputes in which consulting a California business attorney may be particularly important, including intellectual property disputes, significant contract breaches, employment claims, and shareholder disputes. Key Takeaways Not every business disagreement requires litigation or extensive legal intervention. Legal guidance...

4 Steps for Startup Capital

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Outside investment can provide startups with the capital they need to launch, expand, hire employees, or bring new products to market. This article outlines four important steps in the fundraising process, from preparing the business and determining its capital needs to identifying potential investors and properly documenting the investment. Key Takeaways Startups should prepare their business and financial information before approaching investors. Founders should have a clear understanding...

California Construction Dispute Resolution Attorney

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Construction disputes can delay projects, increase costs, and create significant legal and financial problems for the parties involved. This article explains three common methods for resolving California construction disputes, including mediation, arbitration, and litigation, and discusses why obtaining legal guidance early can help protect a party’s rights and keep a project moving forward. Key Takeaways Construction disputes can arise even when the parties have detailed written...

JGPC Law Offices - Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution in the San Francisco East Bay

Suit As An Effective Settlement Strategy

Written by JGPC Business Law.

Suit As An Effective Settlement Strategy by Thomas von Thury, Esq. Most lawyers know that the objective of a lawsuit is settlement, not a trial. After all, one can never absolutely sure what a judge or jury will do. By the time that most clients seek a lawyer’s assistance with respect to a dispute, at least many who come to me, they have already expended considerable time trying to resolve the matter themselves. In those situations my recommendation is almost always to promptly initiate a...

LLC Design and Implementation

Written by JGPC Business Law.

LLC Design and Implementation Tax Considerations and Consequences LLCs come in four basic forms based on tax treatment which is usually chosen by the members. The four forms of LLC’s based upon tax treatment we shall call: (i) LLC-D’s (those LLC’s taxed as a disregarded entity) (ii) LLC-P’s (those LLC’s taxed as a partnership) (iii) LLC-S’s (those LLC’s tax as an “S” corporation) (iv) LLC-C’s (those LLC’s taxes as a “C” corporation) These four forms of the LLC are functionally very different...

JGPC Law - California Collections Law Firm

LLC Asset Protection Strategies

Written by JGPC Business Law.

LLC Asset Protection Strategies Inside-Out Liability: As far as inside-out liability, members of an LLC have the same level of personal liability protection as the shareholders of a corporation. That is, creditors of the entity, whether corporation or LLC, cannot get thru to the owners, shareholders or members, unless the shareholders/members have personally guaranteed a corporation/LLC debt, have received an improper distribution or a court allows a piercing of the corporate/LLC veil because...