In Florida, an employee handbook lawyer can help you avoid costly legal battles with current and former employees. An effective policy manual defines your expectations and communicates what your employees can expect from you in return. When used correctly, your handbook provides managers and supervisors with the tools they need to do their jobs. Finally, should you find yourself...
In a promissory estoppel situation, there are two parties who essentially acted as though there was a contract. These situations arise more frequently than you would think according to Business Disputes Attorney Michael Long. It happens all the time, where one or both parties act like a contract is done and settled before it actually is. In those cases...
Please note this blog post is written for employers, although we understand it may be of interest to employees as well. At this time, our firm represents business owners and employers. If you need assistance with a legal matter as an employee, please consult a firm that represents employees. A breach of contract in Florida occurs when one party...
Whatever the reason behind your decision to dissolve your business, it’s important to understand that it’s not as easy as just closing your business doors and moving on. There are multiple requirements under the Florida Business Corporation Act, and noncompliance can lead to serious legal consequences. Though many business owners were fully prepared to start up their company, fewer...
As more business owners strive to protect their interests and investment in intellectual property, Florida nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) are becoming more common in the corporate world. Computer programs, code, trade secrets, customer information, and related assets have value, so it’s important to keep them out of the hands of your competitors. However, state law on restraints of trade does include some...
A trade secret is a form of intellectual property. As the name implies, it is ‘secret’ information that gives a business a competitive advantage. Trade secrets can come in a wide range of different forms. Some of the most common examples include formulas, practices, designs, patterns, processes, commercial methods, and any combination of the above. Trade secrets are protected...
According to the most recent data published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), there are more than 600,000 patent applications filed every year. For many businesses in Florida, patents are a key part of their overall assets. When patent rights are infringed upon, it can cause tremendous financial damage to the business — companies need to...
What Should You Do if You Get Sued? When you own a business, getting sued is not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when. The more successful you are, the greater the chances that someone will file a lawsuit against you or your company. That’s why you need to know what to do before you hear that...
Buy-Sell Agreements go by different names (Shareholders Agreement, Operating Agreement, Partnership Agreement, for example), but they all have a common goal: provide a clear roadmap for the company and owners to deal with changes in ownership, with minimal impact on the operation and value of the business. Bad Buy-Sell Agreements—those that do not minimize the impact of a change...