BERYS LAW | Business, Real Estate, Wills/Trusts

Angel investing, which is characterized by high-risk, high-reward opportunities, is a dynamic realm where promising startups seek financial support from affluent individuals known as “angel investors.” 

The allure of potential returns can be enticing, but seasoned investors need to understand that success in angel investing hinges on thorough due diligence. Below, we explore the paramount importance of due diligence in angel investing and how it serves as the linchpin for informed investment decisions.

Mitigating Risks and Protecting Investments

Due diligence is the meticulous process of investigating and evaluating a startup's financial health, business model, and overall viability. This comprehensive assessment aims to uncover potential risks and weaknesses that might not be immediately apparent. 

By delving into the nitty-gritty details of a startup's operations, angel investors can identify red flags early on, allowing them to make informed decisions and protect their investmen...

Bankruptcy is a legal process designed to provide individuals and businesses overwhelmed by debt with a fresh start. While it can offer a path to financial relief, filing for bankruptcy is a significant decision that involves consequences. 

Before taking this step, here are some things you need to consider to ensure that it aligns with your financial situation and goals.

Types of Bankruptcy

Understanding the different types of bankruptcy is fundamental. The two most common types for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. 

Chapter 7 involves the liquidation of assets to repay debts, while Chapter 13 involves creating a repayment plan to settle debts over a specified period. Knowing which type aligns with your financial situation is the first step in the decision-making process.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for bankruptcy is not universal, and each type has specific criteria. Income, assets, and the nature of debts play a role in determining eligibility. Before proceeding, i...

Choosing the right legal structure for your business is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact the future of your company. Two popular options are Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Corporations, with each having unique advantages and disadvantages. 

In today’s guide, we’re going to discuss the key differences between LLCs and Corporations to help entrepreneurs make informed decisions for their ventures.

1. Liability Protection

One of the primary distinctions between LLCs and Corporations lies in the level of liability protection they offer. Both structures shield owners' personal assets, but an LLC provides a more flexible approach. 

In an LLC, members are generally protected from business debts and lawsuits, while in a Corporation, shareholders are protected, and their personal assets are separate from those of the business.

2. Taxation

Taxation is a big consideration for any business. LLCs typically have a pass-through taxation structure, meaning profits and loss...

Licensing intellectual property (IP) is a strategic business decision that can offer various benefits. For example, it allows you to maintain control over your intellectual property by specifying how others can use it. This helps in preventing unauthorized use and exploitation.

This article explores the key aspects of licensing intellectual property, which provides businesses with essential insights into this dynamic and beneficial practice.

The Basics of Intellectual Property

Intellectual property encompasses creations of the mind, including inventions, designs, brand names, logos, and creative works. The main categories of intellectual property are patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Each category offers protection for different types of assets, and businesses often have a combination of these IP elements.

Types of Intellectual Property Licenses

Licensing provides a legal framework for the owner of intellectual property (licensor) to permit another party (license...

Of the many strategies that can help safeguard your brand, one that’s worth mentioning is trademark protection. This legal mechanism not only offers exclusive rights to the use of certain marks but also provides a foundation for brand recognition and trust. 

In this article, we explore the importance of trademark protection and how businesses can leverage it to fortify their presence in the market.

Understand the Basics of Trademarks

Before discussing trademark protection in detail, first, we need to understand the basics. A trademark is a recognizable sign, symbol, or expression that distinguishes products or services of a particular source from those of others. 

It can take various forms, including logos, brand names, slogans, and even distinct packaging. Registering a trademark with the appropriate authorities provides legal protection against unauthorized use by competitors.

Conduct Comprehensive Trademark Searches

An important step before investing resources in building a br...

As an entrepreneur looking to protect your brand assets and creative works, you need to understand the differences between trademarks and copyrights. Both legal concepts fall under the umbrella of intellectual property, but they serve distinct purposes. 

Defining Trademarks and Copyrights

• Trademark: A trademark is a symbol, phrase, design, or combination thereof that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services. It serves as a badge of origin, allowing consumers to recognize and associate specific products or services with a particular business.
• Copyright: Copyright, on the other hand, protects original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. This can include literary works, artistic creations, musical compositions, and more. Copyright grants the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display their work.

Nature of Protection

• Trademark: The primary purpose of a trademark is to prevent consumer confusion by ensuring that pr...

Acquiring an existing business can be a strategic move. It offers a shortcut to entrepreneurship by stepping into a pre-established enterprise. However, the process is not without its challenges, which is why careful attention to legal considerations is a must. 

If you’re looking to buy a business, this guide dives into some legal considerations you should know. 

Due Diligence is Non-Negotiable

Before entering into any agreement, conduct thorough due diligence. This means doing a comprehensive examination of the business's financial records, contracts, liabilities, and legal standing. 

Investigate outstanding debts, pending litigation, and any potential regulatory compliance issues. You will also have to engage professionals such as accountants, business appraisers, and legal advisors during this phase to ensure that you are fully informed about the business's current state.

Structure the Deal Appropriately

Choosing the right structure for the acquisition is another legal conside...

Fostering a positive and inclusive environment is a legal obligation for employers. Harassment prevention stands at the forefront of these responsibilities to make sure that employees feel safe, respected, and valued. 

This guide aims to provide employers with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively prevent harassment in the workplace.

Understanding Harassment

Harassment can take various forms, including verbal, physical, or visual conduct that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment. It can be based on factors such as race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics. 

Employers must recognize the broad spectrum of behaviors that constitute harassment to implement effective prevention measures.

Creating a Strong Anti-Harassment Policy

A well-crafted anti-harassment policy is the cornerstone of a harassment-free workplace. The policy should clearly define harassment, provide examples, and outline the consequences for ...

Workplace retaliation is a serious concern that can negatively affect the well-being of employees and the health of an organization. It occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for engaging in protected activities, such as reporting discrimination, harassment, or other illegal practices. 

Understanding what constitutes workplace retaliation and knowing how to address help with maintaining a fair and healthy work environment.

Defining Workplace Retaliation

Workplace retaliation can take various forms, ranging from subtle behaviors to overt actions. It occurs when an employer or supervisor punishes an employee for asserting their legal rights or participating in activities protected by law. 

These protected activities may include filing a complaint with human resources, reporting workplace violations, or participating in an investigation into alleged misconduct.

Common Examples of Workplace Retaliation

• Unwarranted Disciplinary Action: Employees who experie...

In the realm of business and industry, compliance refers to adhering to a set of rules, regulations, and standards imposed by governing bodies or industry authorities. 

Compliance issues arise when an organization fails to meet these prescribed requirements. Such issues can lead to legal repercussions, financial penalties, and reputational damage. This guide explores what compliance issues entail and explores effective strategies to tackle them.

What Are Compliance Issues?

Compliance issues encompass a wide range of situations where an organization falls short of meeting the mandated standards and regulations. These issues can arise in various areas such as financial reporting, data protection, workplace safety, environmental practices, and more. They can occur due to oversight, lack of awareness, or intentional disregard of compliance requirements.

Common Types of Compliance Issues

• Regulatory Non-Compliance: This occurs when an organization fails to comply with laws and regulat...