Operating in today’s business world can sometimes seem like you’re navigating a legal minefield. You must be aware of, and comply with, numerous laws and regulations. A misstep can result in expensive and time-consuming legal challenges. Below are eight legal risks facing businesses, along with some of the related federal laws involved. Keep in mind that […]
When you hear the word “antitrust,” you may think of Microsoft or IBM — or, if you’re looking at historical cases, Standard Oil, American Tobacco and Ma Bell. As a small or medium-size business, you might think antitrust law is an issue you don’t have to worry about. Don’t fall into that trap. All businesses are subject to […]
Given today’s stock market valuations and historically low interest rates on fixed-income investments, some IRA owners may be interested in moving some funds from equities and low-risk securities (such as Treasuries and money-market funds) to precious metals. Before you invest in gold, silver or platinum, however, here are some federal income tax issues to consider. Precious […]
Many small business owners are looking forward to the end of 2020. It’s been a year of significant hardship and stress. But staying afloat remains a daunting challenge in 2021. Here are 16 ideas to help reduce costs without sacrificing quality in the new year. 1. Encourage remote work. Remote working arrangements may have been precipitated by […]
The law provides for the protection of trademarks primarily to prevent confusion about the origin of goods and services. Sometimes, however, well-known companies can co-exist with similar names without any confusion. Agreements outlining the appropriate use of respective trademarks can help sustain the harmony. This was the case between Apple Corps Ltd., the record company […]
Running a business these days is increasingly complex. With employment-related claims and lawsuits on the rise, management must have a basic understanding of numerous federal, state and local laws. Here are three cases that illustrate some employer liability trends. Case #1. Giving a positive reference could cost millions. This court case, involving reference checks about a drug-addicted physician, […]
As the U.S. is entering the third wave of COVID-19 as virus cases continue to rise nationwide, employers should not only be aware of their obligations under the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, but also recent state laws such as California’s COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave and New York State’s COVID-19 Leave Law. As […]
Earlier this year, employers were polled by Mercer, a global benefits consulting service, to give their preliminary thinking about flexible work arrangements in a post-pandemic environment. Their answers suggest that, in some cases, companies with employees working remotely have become more receptive to these arrangements. Here are some quick survey highlights: 68% of companies are now […]
Most people aren’t currently exposed to the federal estate tax, thanks to the generous unified federal estate and gift tax exemptions. However, there are still good reasons to review your estate plan and possibly update it to reflect the current federal estate and gift tax regime as well as life events. Plus, there’s always uncertainty about the future direction of […]
Bribery of government officials is widely viewed as a major problem that, left unchecked, can draw in large and small companies as they compete to win foreign jobs or get approval to enter a new market. The cost to a company of paying bribes to win business goes far beyond the payment itself. The fallout from […]
The Federal Trade Commission continues to crack down on companies that don’t have adequate scientific basis for claims they make about the health and safety benefits of their products. For example, two companies settled with the agency in 2003 over charges that they made false and misleading statements without sufficient scientific evidence. Using television and Internet […]
Protection against the harshness of sudden job loss was the purpose of a law passed back in 1988. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act was adopted to help employees prepare to find new jobs — particularly if some training is needed to expand their employment opportunities — when their employer is forced to let […]