Legal Advice | Page 2

Before you add 'amateur attorney' to your job description, it's important to take a step back and consider if a DIY legal approach is really best for your business.

Sadly, family businesses are not immune to the disputes that afflict every business. Putting agreements in writing can save the family, as well as the business.

Our expert this month is a lawyer, and she is looking to take your questions on entity formation, employee compensation, funding and more.

The saying, 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery' just doesn't fly when dealing with trademarks.

Many entrepreneurs may be surprised to learn that federal laws have not addressed sexual-orientation or gender-identity bias inside private companies.

That feeling of being unfettered on the Internet is an illusion but some basic legal documents will make it virtually real.

So far, most of the Internet resources for hiring lawyers have targeted price not quality. But now innovative options are emerging that might shake up the marketplace.

Because exports give the U.S. economy a big charge, government agencies are happy to help you sell just about anything to foreign markets. Here are the government resources available to you.

Being savvy about your time and money can maximize your resources as you bootstrap your business.

Even a young company can run into legal problems. An attorney is trained to identify potential problems -- before they happen.

Communication drives attorney-client relationships, but clients, perhaps fearful or simply embarrassed, are often reluctant to tell all.

Startups should seek good legal counsel for a multitude of questions and issues. It's obviously important to trust your lawyer.

Now what?

Do yourself a favor and avoid these costly pitfalls.

Often entrepreneurs try to cut corners to save costs. But doing so with your legal documents, may end up costing you more down the road.

Startups should be careful to follow state and federal statutes otherwise the penalties could be great and the unwanted publicity significant.

Excessive lawyering is the client's natural enemy. Here are a few pieces of advice on how to make sure you are on the same page as your lawyer and your expectations are met.

Before you shell out cash for a new e-spokesperson, make sure you're in the clear so no issues pop up later.

Dealing with legalities like copyright and trademarks can be a confusing (and costly) matter for entrepreneurs. Our expert attorney Doug Wolf provides some insight into this gray area.

Misunderstandings about patents and copyrights can cost your business. Avoid these traps.

Attorney Doug Wolf wants to answer your big startup questions about trademarks, copyright, due diligence and working with venture groups.