Posted in: Trademarks and Copyrights
Short answer: As of July 2026, yes; but with significant caveats. Most of the confusion around this question comes from mixing up trademark law with copyright law. Trademark law is about source identification: does this mark tell consumers where a product or service comes from? It does not require human authorship. The USPTO does not […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Trademarks and Copyrights
Choosing a trademark lawyer is a meaningful business decision, and the consultation is where most of the useful information lives. The right questions tell you whether the attorney has the experience to handle your situation, whether the fees are structured in a way you can actually plan around, and whether the person in the meeting […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Startup Law
Key Highlights What a startup lawyer does and when you actually need one How much legal fees cost for starting a business, broken down by service The difference between flat-fee and hourly billing for startup legal work The three essential legal protections every startup needs in place How a startup lawyer on retainer works and […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Startup Law
Key Highlights What terms and conditions are and why every website and app needs them Whether Terms of Service and Terms and Conditions are legally different What makes terms and conditions legally enforceable How terms work differently for mobile apps and iOS platforms When to create terms and conditions, and what happens if you wait […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Influencer Law
Key Highlights What FTC disclosure rules require from influencers and content creators in 2026 How influencer contracts create legal risk, and what to negotiate Copyright and trademark protections every creator needs to understand When forming an LLC or filing a trademark becomes essential What a content creator lawyer actually does and when you need one […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Social Media Compliance
Key Highlights What FFIEC social media guidance requires from banks and credit unions Which federal regulations apply to financial institution social media activity The seven core components of an FFIEC-aligned risk management program Advertising disclosure requirements for deposit accounts, credit, and lending products Legal rules governing bank and credit union giveaways and sweepstakes on social […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Influencer Law
Key Highlights When forming an LLC makes sense for content creators and when it may be premature How an LLC separates personal assets from business liabilities tied to brand deals and content The relationship between LLC formation, trademark protection, and intellectual property ownership Challenges to consider before forming an LLC Tax classification options available to […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Social Media Compliance
Key Highlights How the FTC treats user-generated content as endorsement advertising under its updated Endorsement Guides Why copyright ownership defaults to the creator and what that means for brands repurposing UGC Rights management frameworks brands need before featuring UGC in paid advertising How incentivized UGC campaigns trigger endorsement disclosure requirements Key differences between organic UGC, […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Influencer Law
Key Highlights The FTC’s legal standard for influencer disclosures and what “clear and conspicuous” means in practice Real enforcement cases with specific penalty amounts, including fines exceeding $9 million Why brands bear equal or greater liability than influencers under FTC enforcement Platform-specific disclosure requirements for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and livestreams The FTC’s 2024 rule banning […]
Continue ReadingPosted in: Social Media Compliance
Key Highlights Most U.S. employees are at-will, but social media termination decisions must still comply with federal and state law. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) limits how employers regulate employee online speech. Overbroad social media policies can trigger NLRB investigations. Employers must balance brand protection with protected concerted activity rights. State privacy and lawful […]
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