A purchase order lands on your desk. Most of the terms are good, but that extra item the salesperson promised is missing. You’ll work that out later, right? Beware. Under many circumstances, a purchase order creates a binding contract. When is a Purchase Order a Contract? A purchase order becomes a binding contract when...
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Christine Kuntz in Business Formation, Nonprofit Organizations, Small Business
6 Reasons to Create a Business Plan
6 Reasons to Create a Business Plan December is National Write a Business Plan Month. Whether you are launching a start-up or expanding your current business, use a business plan to take your business to the next level. Despite what you have heard about back-of-the-napkin business plans from hoodie-wearing techies, a business plan is so...
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The Unknown Superpowers of the Indemnification Clause
Deep in the boilerplate of your contracts lurks a clause called the “indemnification clause”. What is this clause and is it important? Simply stated, the indemnification clause is an agreement to shift financial risk from one party to another. It defines who will bear the burden of an unknown, future financial liability arises. Think of...
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What’s the Difference Between Trademark and Copyright?
If you own a business, you are probably aware that it is important to protect your intellectual property. Perhaps this has been on your radar for a while, but you’re not sure what intellectual property you have and where to start. For example, do you need a trademark? A copyright? Both? Luckily for you, Concerto...
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Confidentiality Agreements in Plain English
Simply stated, a Confidentiality Agreement is a legal contract where at least one party agrees not to share or inappropriately use certain information. These agreements are often called nondisclosure agreements, but other than the name, there is no difference. Both agreements prohibit the disclosure of information. When to use a Confidentiality Agreement? Confidentiality agreements are...
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Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Boilerplate in Your Contract
The term “boilerplate” is one of those terms in the English language that everyone seems to use without pondering what it actually means. Say “boilerplate” and most people think of the tiny print of dense legalese that no one reads. Without going into the history of the word, boilerplate (in the context of business contracts)...
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How Do I Form a Business in Pennsylvania?
Forming a business can be overwhelming. You have to navigate government regulations, select the appropriate business entity form, obtain licenses and insurance, and so much more. How-to books and legal websites make it appear simple, but there are many pitfalls for the inexperienced. Here is a brief guide to forming a new business in Pennsylvania....
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Is Your Home-Based Business Legal?
Sole-proprietors, freelancers, and start-ups frequently work from home (or at least begin there). Unfortunately, it is not as easy as putting up the proverbial shingle. There are many legal traps for home-based businesses. Before launching your home-based business, do not forget to investigate these often-overlooked legal matters: Business Formation. Risk management Do you want to...
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Tune-Up Your Business Today!
September 25th is National Tune-Up Day. Just as you tune-up your heating system before winter arrives, you also need to periodically tune-up your business to keep it operating efficiently and effectively. How Do I Tune-Up My Business? Business Basics. Start with the basics. Your entity formation and governing documents. Re-read your LLC Operating Agreement or...
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8 Elements of a Great Employee Handbook
Do you wonder whether you need an employee handbook? Are you struggling to figure out what to write in your handbook? In this post , we discuss when you need an employee handbook and the 8 elements of a great employee handbook. Why have an employee handbook? An employee handbook sets expectations for the employer...
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Common Funding Sources for Pennsylvania Small Businesses
Money keeps small business owners awake at night. Starting a small business takes a significant amount of courage and cash. Many aspiring entrepreneurs talk themselves out of pulling the trigger for fear of debt. Concerto Law is a proud supporter of small businesses. Each week, our blog provides practical strategies to help you grow...
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How to Be Friends and Business Partners
Should friends go into business together? While business conflicts have irretrievably broken some friendships, many more friends have created successful businesses without hating each other. Read these tips if you are starting a business with a friend. Get it in Writing If you don’t do anything else, put your business agreement in writing. This means...
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What are Employer Obligations under the ADA
Thirty years have passed since the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law. This law was the most significant piece of civil rights legislation for those with disabilities. The ADA offers individuals with disabilities important protections from discrimination in the workplace so they can pursue meaningful employment. Nearly all employers agree that individuals with...
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It Takes Money to Make Money: Finding Funds for Your New Business
Few entrepreneurs create successful businesses on a shoestring. Most businesses, especially those requiring equipment, inventory, or physical space, need money to get the business off the ground. There is no secret. If you are not independently wealthy or bankrolled by your family, you must rely on loans or investors. Fund Your Business With a Loan...
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Essential Documents for a New Pennsylvania LLC
Starting an LLC in Pennsylvania The limited liability company (LLC) is a popular form of business entity for both seasoned business people and first-time entrepreneurs. Beyond registering with the state, what are the essential documents for a new Pennsylvania LLC? This post discusses the document we, at Concerto Law, believe are the most important. Certificate...
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