10 Ways to Avoid Losing Intellectual Property Assets
In my role as an attorney representing emerging growth technology companies, I spend a lot of time talking to and working with entrepreneurs as they prepare to start new companies. This is the last in...
View ArticleUnited States Legal Considerations Related to Employee Stock Option Grants
Stock options may be a valuable component in the compensation mix for US employees in US-based operations. Extreme care must be exercised in granting stock options to ensure compliance with federal...
View ArticleDevelopments in Indemnification & Advancement Rights in Delaware
Introduction October 2009 marks the eight-year anniversary of the infamous Enron scandal, which sparked a transformation in the landscape of corporate America. Despite the enactment of the Sarbanes...
View ArticleOne Size Does Not Fit All: The Basics of Technology Company Capitalization
When it comes to startups, one type of equity does not fit all. Below, I’ve outlined several common equities that startup companies issue based on an individual’s role within the company. Founders...
View ArticleWhat Makes a Trademark Strong?
A trademark is word, phrase, symbol, design or a combination of words, phrases, symbols or designs that operate as a source identifier of the goods or services offered under the mark. A strong word...
View ArticleWhen Should I Apply for Federal Protection of My Trademark?
There is no specific deadline to file an application for federal trademark protection. Applications for registration of a mark may be filed three or more years before a mark is actually put to use in...
View ArticleDoes Registration of a Legal Entity with the Secretary of State Provide...
No, mere registration of the name of a legal entity does not afford trademark protection. A company or individual may acquire rights in a mark as soon as the mark is used in commerce in connection...
View ArticleWhat is Required to Establish Use of a Trademark?
“Use” of a mark is an important issue for many reasons, including that the first date of use establishes a potential date of priority, and also determines whether a federal trademark application...
View ArticleWhat Symbols are Used to Designate a Trademark?
The ™ symbol is available to use with an unregistered mark. Thus, a new mark launched may appear with the ™ symbol which signifies to those who view the mark with the ™ symbol that mark is being used...
View ArticleTrademark Use Guidelines
Trademarks are used to identify the source of the associated good or service, and ultimately to imply the quality of the good or service based upon the reputation of the source. Therefore, it is very...
View Article2015 Compensation & Benefits Survey Executive Summary
The 2015 compensation survey questionnaire was completed by individuals from 56 organizations. These privately-held, emerging growth companies, based in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic or South Atlantic...
View Article2016 Compensation & Benefits Survey Executive Summary
The 2016 compensation survey questionnaire was completed by individuals from 42 organizations. These privately-held, emerging growth companies, based in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic or South Atlantic...
View ArticleEmployment Law Resources
Hiring Your First Employee Guide to Hiring Your First Employee Employee Information Sheet Form I-9 State Tax Withholding Forms Federal Tax Withholding Form (W-2) North Carolina Tax Form NC-4 for...
View ArticleThe EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
The clock is ticking down and the 25 May 2018 deadline to demonstrate compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) is quickly approaching. There are a number of issues that...
View ArticleThe Basics of Corporate Governance in Delaware
In our role as attorneys representing emerging growth technology companies, we spend a lot of time talking to and working with entrepreneurs as they prepare to start new companies. This is the third...
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