Categories

In the age of social media marketing and branding, using images of your team can humanize your business and build trust with customers. However, as a small business owner in Pennsylvania, snapping a quick photo of your employees for Instagram isn't just a matter of social media strategy - it’s a legal one. Under Pennsylvania law, individuals have a Right of Publicity which protects against the unauthorized use of their likeness for commercial gain. To help you navigate thes

Article Summary Business owners can fall victim to scams from service providers who promise to set up Amazon Storefronts or other online sales channels but take upfront payments without delivering results. These scams often include hidden contract clauses that prevent refunds or make it impossible to terminate the agreement. Warning signs include requests for full payment upfront, restrictive or confusing contracts, unverifiable providers, and high-pressure tactics. To protec

On January 1, 2026, a treasure trove of cultural icons from 1930 - including the original Betty Boop, Nancy Drew, and the debut of Disney’s Pluto - will enter the U.S. public domain . For businesses, this means the legal right to use, remix, and monetize these specific iterations of legendary characters and stories without paying licensing fees or royalties. While you must still navigate trademark laws , this "Class of 2026" offers a massive, cost-free opportunity for nostalg

Article Summary: Holiday party injuries may be covered by workers’ compensation if the event is work-related. Key factors: Attendance required or encouraged Employer paid for/controlled the party Business activities or client interactions occurred Injury caused by employer-controlled conditions Travel to/from the party or injuries from severe intoxication are usually not covered. Report injuries immediately, document evidence, and seek medical care to protect your claim. The

Article Summary To protect your business from Workers' Compensation liability for a holiday party, you must ensure the event is undeniably voluntary and social, not an extension of work. Minimize liability by holding the event off-site, avoiding any mandatory business activities, and, most critically, controlling alcohol service through professional bartenders while offering and promoting safe transportation options.     If an employee is injured at a purely voluntary, social

Article Summary: Intercompany loans are transfers of funds between related entities, offering speed and flexibility. To avoid severe tax and legal risks, they must be documented with the same formality as an external bank loan. You should not make them interest-free, as the IRS will impute interest (taxing the lender on income it didn't receive). Always charge at least the Applicable Federal Rate (AFR) and document the loan with a formal Promissory Note and Board Resolutions 

Veteran-owned businesses represent a significant portion of the small business community, and both the federal government and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offer specific programs to support them. Understanding these programs can help veteran entrepreneurs start, stabilize, and grow their companies more effectively.   This guide provides a clear overview of the federal and state resources available to veteran-owned businesses in Pennsylvania, along with key legal considera

In Pennsylvania, the general rule is that corporations and other business entities, such as LLCs , partnerships, and associations, must be represented by a licensed attorney in court. This is because these entities are considered separate legal “persons” from their owners. There are exceptions to this rule, typically for magisterial district court, or in some very limited circumstances (often involving consent agreements or stipulations on non-complex matters). However, these

A local business owner called me recently because she saw a website marketing a product using the exact name of her business.  Her business is a registered limited liability company in Pennsylvania and she thought that would prevent others from using her business name in the sale or marketing of products.  This is a very common misconception, and I had to deliver some unhappy news to her.  I get why she was upset – she has poured her heart and soul into building a successful

Goodbye Summer!  Hello Great Lock In !  What is it?  It's a challenge running Sept 1 – Dec 31. As we approach the final quarter of 2025,...

The current administration’s crackdown on undocumented workers impacts workers and employers alike.  With federal messaging still...

For small businesses, is there anything more important to viability and success than getting paid?  You deliver exceptional products or...