Business Lawyers Blog

Independent Contractor Agreements: Protecting Company IP

May 29, 2026 | Mark Manalo

Independent contractors generally retain ownership of the intellectual property they create unless an agreement provides otherwise. Therefore, businesses that engage contractors should address this issue at the outset to avoid uncertainty over ownership of work product developed during the engagement.

A well-drafted independent contractor agreement can establish that intellectual property created in connection with the contractor’s services is assigned to the company. The Silicon Valley intellectual property lawyers at Structure Law Group, LLP regularly advise businesses on drafting and negotiating independent contractor agreements that address intellectual property ownership and related protections. Below are several key provisions companies should consider addressing in these agreements.

Work Made for Hire Clauses

Oregon Requirements for Foreign Entities Doing Business in the State

May 22, 2026 | Jackie Ford

Oregon has a deep consumer market, and many businesses are seeking to enter the marketplace. However, foreign corporations and other entities such as limited liability companies need permission from the state before they begin performing transactions. These entities also must fully understand their tax obligations, which typically require registering with the Oregon Department of Revenue. Although Oregon welcomes business entities from around the world and the other 49 states, it’s critical to ensure that you meet all obligations. Below, we examine some of the most significant requirements for doing business in Oregon. Contact an Oregon business lawyer from SLG for assistance with your specific situation.

Applying for Authorization

Under ORS 60.701, a “foreign” corporation (meaning any non-Oregon corporation) may not transact business in Oregon unless authorization has been granted by the Secretary of State. There are similar statues for limited liability companies and other business entities. In general, most business activity conducted in Oregon requires a formal application for authorization.

Operating Agreements for Silicon Valley LLCs: Clauses That Prevent Member Disputes

May 8, 2026 | Christian Binder

An operating agreement serves as the foundational document for a limited liability company (LLC). It functions as the equivalent of a partnership agreement. A well-crafted operating agreement should proactively address potential member disputes by clearly delineating each owner’s rights and responsibilities. It should anticipate common disputes, such as the circumstances surrounding the sale of an ownership share, retirement, or death of a member.

Structure Law Group, LLP, can draft operating agreements for your business. Speak with a Silicon Valley LLC business lawyer in a private consultation. The sooner you draft this critical document, the more protection you receive.

Operating Agreements in CA LLCs: Preventing Member Disputes

Corporate Formalities in Silicon Valley: What Small Corporations Should Document Each Quarter

May 1, 2026 | Mark Manalo

Many closely held corporations focus on operations, growth, and financing, but corporate formalities remain important for small companies. California law does not exempt smaller corporations from maintaining accurate records, documenting governance decisions, and preserving financial and tax information. When businesses postpone these tasks, they can create avoidable risk in the form of tax issues, internal disputes, audit exposure, or challenges to limited liability protections.

For small corporations in Silicon Valley, establishing a quarterly documentation process helps management keep corporate records current and reduces the burden of reconstructing important information later. Regular recordkeeping also strengthens the company’s ability to respond to lenders, investors, regulators, and potential litigation. The following categories highlight records that corporations should review and maintain each quarter as part of sound corporate governance.

Speak with a Silicon Valley corporations lawyer at Structure Law Group, LLP, for assistance gathering and compiling this information.

Common Partnership Disputes Among Oregon Business Owners

April 24, 2026 | Sean Badgley

Business partners, whether as members of an LLC, or Directors or Shareholders within a corporation, often find themselves at loggerheads regarding both short-term and long-term objectives. Unfortunately, when partners don’t see eye to eye, they can compromise the success of their venture and increase the risk of litigation. At Structure Law Group, LLP, we regularly represent partners in various disputes and encourage you to contact an Oregon partnership lawyer to discuss the next steps and provide advice to move forward. Below, we look at some of the most common partnership disputes we help resolve.

Disputes Related to Employee Hiring and Retention

As a partnership grows, if often becomes necessary to hire additional staff. This is a critical moment, and one with real consequences. Often, partners disagree about who is the best hire, as well as whether it’s time to let an employee go. For example, some partners seek to hire family members, while others might not believe they are the right choice. Ideally, these business partners executed a clear, written agreement that addresses these questions. Practically speaking, this is often not the case. In such situations often call for deft handling and a diplomatic approach to achieve a workable compromise or final resolution.

Common Legal Mistakes Made By Oregon Small Businesses

April 3, 2026 | Jackie Ford

Starting a small business in Oregon presents a range of legal and operational challenges. While a strong business concept and capable team are important to long-term success, proper legal planning is equally essential. Overlooking key legal requirements or making common compliance mistakes can expose a business to unnecessary risk, regardless of how promising the business plan may be. Below are several legal pitfalls that many small businesses encounter. Businesses facing these issues may benefit from consulting with Structure Law Group and speaking with an Oregon business litigation lawyer.

Choose the Correct Oregon Business Entity

The business entity chosen at formation can have significant legal and financial consequences as the company grows. For example, general partners in a partnership are personally liable for partnership debts, while members of a limited liability company (LLC) typically receive protection from personal liability. Understanding how different business structures allocate risk is an important step when bringing a business idea to market.

Confidentiality and Non-Disparagement Restrictions Under the Oregon Workplace Fairness Act

March 20, 2026 | Jackie Ford

Under the Oregon Workforce Fairness Act (OWFA), employers are generally prohibited from entering into agreements with employees that include either a confidentiality provision or a non-disparagement provision. The law aims to empower employees to speak out about discrimination and sexual assault, which the legislature has recognized as being in the public interest. Therefore, employers should avoid including these prohibited provisions in their agreements. Contact the Portland office of Structure Law Group, LLP, for help with understanding your obligations under the law. An Oregon employment law attorney can discuss any potential lawsuits, and our firm can provide confidential advice, and draft settlement or other agreements for use with employees.

Broad Prohibition on These Restrictions

The law does not ban all confidentiality or non-disparagement agreements. Instead, it limits these agreements when they relate to discrimination or sexual assault. A confidentiality agreement cannot stop an employee from discussing or revealing any conduct that counts as discrimination, including sexual assault, whether it happens between employees or between an employee and employer.

California Real Estate Law Developments: What Contractors Should Know in 2026

March 13, 2026 | Mark Manalo

Seven laws took effect in California this year that will affect the construction industry. Contractors must stay updated on these changes and create procedures to ensure compliance. The state of California is increasing its oversight of the construction sector, giving the Attorney General the authority to file enforcement actions and requiring the industry to notify consumers of their right to cancel a contract by email. Any violation of these regulations could jeopardize your license.

Below, our Los Angeles construction attorneys review the most significant changes.

Attorney General Enforcement of Contractors State Licensing Board Penalties

Differences Between Defending Claims with BOLI and the Circuit Courts

February 20, 2026 | Jackie Ford

Employers who are sued by an employee might end up either defending themselves in an administrative action before the Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) or in Oregon circuit courts. The objective is the same: you’ll want to present the facts in the light most favorable to the employer.

However, defending a case before BOLI differs in important ways from litigating in Oregon courts. To discuss your situation with an Oregon business litigation attorney, contact Structure Law Group, LLP. We work to protect our clients’ reputations and enforce their rights in any forum.

What Is BOLI?

Compliance with the Oregon Family Leave Act

February 6, 2026 | Jackie Ford

The Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) grants eligible employees job-protected leave for specific family, medical, and safe-leave reasons. For employers, understanding these rules is an essential part of maintaining compliant and consistent workplace practices. While penalties can arise from misapplying the law, most issues are preventable with clear policies and timely guidance.

If you have questions about your obligations or how OFLA applies to particular situations, the Oregon employment attorneys at Structure Law Group can help. This article provides a general overview, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss your company’s specific needs.

Is Your Company Covered?