Clients often ask about “doing business as” names, commonly known as DBA names. Given the confusion, I have put together a quick guide to using a DBA name in Pennsylvania that applies to both for-profit and nonprofit businesses. What is a DBA name? A DBA name is another name for a fictitious name. It is...
Continue ReadingChristine Kuntz in Business Formation, Nonprofit Organizations, Small Business
Christine Kuntz in Business Formation, Nonprofit Organizations, Small Business
Does My Website Need A Privacy Policy?
Clients often ask whether their website needs a privacy policy. If your website collects personal information from its users, then yes, you need a privacy policy. (This applies also to apps, so pay attention!) What Laws Regulate Online Privacy? The US regulates children’s online data privacy through the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. Unlike Europe...
Continue ReadingChristine Kuntz in Intellectual Property, Nonprofit Organizations, Small Business, Uncategorized
Can I Trademark the Name of an Event?
Clients often ask if they can trademark the name of an event, such as an annual fundraiser, art festival, hackathon, or conference. Yes, you can trademark the name of an event if you meet the general requirements for a trademark. How To Trademark An Event Name While you cannot trademark the activities that occur or...
Continue ReadingChristine Kuntz in Business Formation, Intellectual Property, Nonprofit Organizations, Small Business
How to Check if a Business Name is Available in Pennsylvania?
Clients often ask me how to check if a business name is available in Pennsylvania. Rightfully so. In order to register your corporation, nonprofit, partnership, or LLC in Pennsylvania, you must have a name that is distinguishable from the other registered businesses. On a more practical level, you want to check name availability before you...
Continue ReadingChristine Kuntz in Nonprofit Organizations, Small Business
Pennsylvania Makes It Harder To Classify Workers As Independent Contractors
On April 22, 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court made it harder for employers to classify workers as Independent Contractors. In the closely watched case, A Special Touch v. UC Tax Services, the employer (a salon) argued several workers were independent contractors. This situation was discovered during an audit by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. However, these...
Continue ReadingChristine Kuntz in Business Formation, Small Business
5 Popular Legal Structures for Pennsylvania Businesses
It often seems like there is a miles-long checklist for first-time business owners. One extremely important item on this list is deciding the best structure for your company. Each entrepreneur has wildly different products, services, and goals. You should always consult with multiple professionals before officially forming your business. To get you started, though, I...
Continue ReadingChristine Kuntz in Nonprofit Organizations, Small Business
How to Stay Afloat During COVID-19
5 Budgeting Tips To Stay Afloat During COVID-19 I have been fielding calls from small business owners who are wondering how to stay afloat during COVID-19. Cash flow is at an all-time low. Sales are down (or even halted, for many personal service businesses). So, how do you budget to account for the uncertainty of...
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