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Beware of Trademark Scams: 3 Essential Tips to Protect Your Intellectual Property

Published March 5, 2024   A troubling scam has recently emerged in the realm of trademark protection. These scams specifically target trademark owners with misleading warnings concerning their trademark rights. Some of you may have received unsolicited emails from individuals or organizations claiming to offer trademark services. These emails often include dire warnings that your trademark rights are at imminent risk. In some instances, these communications reference legal statutes such as the Lanham Act or baselessly allege that another party

Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements

  Effective January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) introduces new federal reporting requirements that may impact business owners and decision-makers. Please consider the following information as a general guide and not as legal advice.  In 2021, Congress passed the CTA as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 in the National Defense Authorization Act. The CTA is intended as a tool to support the U.S. Government’s efforts towards curbing money laundering and the concealment of assets through

The New Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act: What You Need to Know Before January 1, 2022

Published October 28, 2021 On January 1, 2022, a newly updated Washington Nonprofit Corporation Act (the “Act”) goes into effect, replacing RCW Chapter 24.03. All Washington nonprofit corporations should review the following requirements and updates outlined in the Act and work with legal counsel to determine whether their corporate documents are updated to conform with the Act. Note that the “Required Changes” discussed below apply to existing nonprofits, which may require changes to their current governing documents. Required Changes: Electronic

State Announces $5M Grant Program for Small Business

Published on April 7, 2020 On Tuesday, Governor Inslee announced a new grant program targeted to small businesses struggling amid the COVID-19 shutdown. The Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program will provide a limited number of grants of up to $10,000 for businesses with 10 or fewer employees. If you’d like to learn more or apply for the grant, click here. Additional Resources If you have additional questions, please visit our COVID-19 Alerts and Resources for Businesses page and feel free

COVID-19: CARES Act – Key Provisions for Small to Mid-Sized American Businesses

Published on March 30, 2020; Updated March 31, 2020 On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). In general, the CARES Act provides a broad range of economic relief and remedies – including a loan guarantee program, tax deferral and a tax credit – to address the economic implications of COVID-19.  This article addresses increased financial assistance administered by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) as well as potential future assistance to

COVID-19: Resources for Washington Businesses

Updated April 2, 2020, Updated on May 1, 2020 COVID-19 has changed the way Washington companies conduct business, especially after Governor Jay Inslee issued an Executive Order directing all residents to stay home except for certain “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers,” and ordered all nonessential businesses to close until at least May 31. In realization of the impact of these changes on Washington businesses, both the Washington state and federal governments are implementing programs designed to provide economic relief.  Policies and

Guide for Starting a New Business in Washington State

Published on March 17, 2017; Updated June 2, 2020 Starting a new business is an exciting and challenging undertaking. This guide summarizes the process and will show you how to start a business in Washington State. We hope this information will assist you in working with us and your accountant. I. BUSINESS STRUCTURES Deciding on Your Business Structure You may operate your business under any one of several organizational structures. Each type of business structure has certain advantages and disadvantages that

Ten Tips for Avoiding Problems with Employees

By Britenae Pierce Maintaining a healthy employee relationship is critical for employers. Above all, communicating with and informing your workforce will help prevent employment related legal trouble down the road. Here are ten tips employers should consider to avoid legal trouble with employees. 1. Hire the Right Employee Review resumes – over a third of resumes contain some untruth Check references, consider a background check Do not discriminate – race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, disability, and