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A practical guide for Pennsylvania importers and small business owners navigating the new CAPE portal and claiming their share of up to $166 billion in unlawfully collected tariffs. Key Facts Portal launched: April 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM EST Total owed to U.S. importers: Up to $166 billion + interest Who can claim: Importers of Record (IORs) and their licensed customs brokers How to claim: Through the CAPE tool inside CBP's ACE Secure Data Portal Payment timeline: 60–90 days aft

The headlines say $166 billion in refunds are available. Most small businesses will not see a direct government check. Here is why — and what you should actually do. The Headlines Are Exciting. The Reality Is More Complicated. You have probably seen the news. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that President Trump's tariffs — imposed under a federal law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act , or IEEPA — were unconstitutional. The government colle

By Michael E. Fiffik , Esquire Key Takeaway When you’re negotiating to sell your business, it’s necessary to share confidential information with the potential buyer.  To protect your business information during negotiations or due diligence in Pennsylvania, business owners should utilize Virtual Data Rooms (VDRs), implement phased disclosure, and leverage the Pennsylvania Uniform Trade Secrets Act (PUTSA). A robust, M&A-specific NDA is essential to prevent misappropriation of

Key Takeaway In Pennsylvania, a small business owner can be held personally liable for damages resulting from a car accident while driving a company-owned vehicle if they were negligent. Factors include the owner's actions, business structure, and insurance coverage. Piercing the corporate veil is possible in certain circumstances. Consult Fiffik Law Group for tailored legal advice. How Does Pennsylvania Law Determine Liability in a Company Vehicle Accident? Pennsylvania law

For many entrepreneurs, their business is more than just a source of income; it's a passion, a creation, a significant part of their identity. It's not uncommon to hear business owners affectionately refer to their startup as their "first child." Just like parents want to protect their children, entrepreneurs need to safeguard their businesses, especially when entering into significant life events like marriage. In Pennsylvania, a state adhering to "equitable distribution" pr

Whether you’re located in Philadelphia, Lancaster or Pittsburgh, running a small business in is challenging enough without having to chase down unpaid invoices. The terms of your customer contracts can either help or hurt you when trying to collect from non-paying customers. Including specific provisions regarding interest on late payments, attorney's fees , collection costs, and choice of venue can significantly improve your chances of recovering what you're owed, and mini

When advising clients about potential litigation , we often spending time helping dispel a widely held belief that lawsuit winners get their attorneys fees paid by the losers.  That’s a myth. In Pennsylvania, the default rule is that the losing party does not have to pay the winner's attorney fees. This principle, known as the " American Rule ," dictates that each party is responsible for their own legal costs, win or lose. This contrasts with the " English Rule ," where the

In today’s digital-first economy, your online reputation is one of your most valuable business assets. Perhaps the most impactful expression of your online reputation are your customer reviews.  They say a lot about your business and are an influential factor in the purchase decision by people shopping for your products and services.  Statistics show that 92% of consumers are hesitant to buy from a business with no reviews, and a single one-star increase in your Yelp rating

For small businesses, an offer letter is a critical risk-management tool. It preserves the "at-will" nature of employment, prevents disputes over pay and benefits, and, most importantly, provides the legal authorization required by the Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law (WPCL)  to make specific deductions from an employee’s paycheck. Without a signed writing, you may be legally barred from recouping bonuses or equipment costs if an employee leaves.   The Handshake I

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