Articles Posted in Business Transactions

|

AdobeStock_268338488-300x191California business owners know that social media marketing is the way to reach today’s consumers. Many businesses have sought to and built successful relationships with social media influencers for effective content creation. However, there are legal issues that can arise in such business relationships. The Los Angeles business lawyers at Structure Law Group can help you prevent problems in the following areas:

Written Contracts

Some influencers have pre-printed contracts that they use as a standard for all transactions while others expect the business owner to take the lead in drafting contract terms. In either event, it is imperative that business owners carefully consider all the legal implications of a commission/commissioned work or contractual relationship of this type. Many contractual relationship problems can be prevented with unambiguous terms written into an enforceable legal contract. Here is just a small list of the terms that should be considered when entering into this type of contractual relationship:

Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_476679934-300x200NFT’s are a popular new digital asset. Here in Silicon Valley, tech-savvy business owners want to be at the forefront of this cutting-edge technology. Like an asset, however, it is important to understand the product before investing in it or pouring resources into it for technical development of some new business venture. Poor investments can leave business owners to answer to disgruntled shareholders, investors, employees, customers, and even government regulators, including lawsuits, class action suits, and regulatory or administrative investigations and action. Learn more about NFT’S – and what your business needs to do to invest in them safely.

What Are NFT’s?

NFT stands for “non-fungible token.” An NFT is a unique piece of digital artwork that is sold online. As with cryptocurrency, NFT ownership is recorded in a digital ledger on the blockchain of some type. NFT’s can be resold. Because of this, an owner can capture appreciation by reselling the NFT’s. NFT’s can also be used for secondary transactions and capturing royalty related to a piece of art or subscription.

Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_183500602-300x200Business owners in Silicon Valley are well acquainted with all kinds of legal contracts. It is important to know your legal rights – as well as your obligations – under any contract. Many contractors try to bully others with threats of breach of contract and costly litigation. The experienced contract lawyers at Structure Law Group are here to help your business handle all types of breach of contract issues. Here are some of the most common disputes:

A Vendor’s Breach of Contract

Most businesses must enter into vendor contracts to get the goods and services necessary for their daily operations. If these vendors breach their contractual obligations, your business could be left unable to deliver on its own contractual duties to customers. A well-drafted vendor contract can help prevent confusion or ambiguity. Our contract attorneys can also help you determine the best course of action when a vendor breaches a contract. While litigation is sometimes necessary, it is not always worth the cost of a damaged business relationship with a trusted partner. An experienced contracts lawyer will be able to give you options for handling the problem.

Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_199400743-300x200Hearing the phrase, “a complaint filed against you is being investigated by the California Labor Commissioner” may sound intimidating – and for good reason. Any employer should take investigations conducted by the Labor Commissioner seriously.

If you are an employer who is being investigated by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE), you need to understand your rights and obligations. If you received a notice of the ongoing investigation of a complaint filed by your employees, get in touch with a lawyer right away.

At Structure Law Group, our skilled employment lawyers have helped numerous employers across California deal with the California Labor Commissioner and ensure that employers’ rights are protected throughout the process.

Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_466265284-300x200As an employer, it can be difficult to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of employment laws. Specifically, we are talking about California’s laws regarding the classification of independent contractors. These laws have seen several changes over the past few years.

If you are an employer in California, you need to be aware of the current independent contractor laws in California to ensure that you classify your workers in compliance with state law and avoid harsh penalties for misclassification.

Employers can avoid problems with the misclassification of workers by working with an experienced employment lawyer. At Structure Law Group, our lawyers help understand employers their rights and obligations to ensure their compliance with all applicable state and federal laws.

Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_423401622-300x199Cryptocurrencies are a very rich field for scams nowadays. There are dozens of crypto scams because cryptocurrencies are confusing, yet many people are very curious about virtual currencies.

As the price of cryptocurrencies continues to surge, so does the number of crypto scams. Cryptocurrency scams can take various forms and are constantly evolving, which is why many unsuspecting people and companies fall for them.

The Most Common Crypto Scams to Avoid

Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_243450386-300x214After the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) amended its “accredited investor” definition in August 2020, it amended its rules once again in November of the same year. In its latest rule amendments, the SEC increased the annual caps on equity crowdfunding and raised the maximum offering amounts for Reg A+ offerings and Rule 504 of Reg D offerings.

In November 2020, the SEC amended its rules to expand investment opportunities and promote capital formation while also strengthening protections for investors in the United States. Some of the most significant rule amendments included:

  • Amend the rules governing the integration of private and public offerings to permit concurrent private and public offerings;
Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_252112056-300x200Changes to the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) took effect on January 1, 2021, after the passage of Senate Bill 1383. The expansion of the CFRA has brought significant changes to employers and employees in California.

Below, we will summarize everything California employers should be aware of to ensure compliance with the CFRA expansion.

SB 1383: Sweeping Changes to the California Family Rights Act

Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_423161698-300x200Running a business is complicated in the COVID era, especially if you run a business in California. After California reopened its economy in June 2021, employers have had to make sure they comply with all applicable state laws, local ordinances, and rules to stay open and avoid hefty fines.

Below we have highlighted some of the most significant COVID-related employment laws that apply to businesses and employers in California in 2021.

AB 685: COVID Reporting Requirements

Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_87806470-300x200Accredited investors have access to a wider range of investment opportunities under federal securities laws. While there may be more opportunities available to accredited investors, these opportunities can also carry greater financial and legal risks. The law assumes that accredited investors have enough knowledge to protect themselves from these risks. But how does a person or company qualify as an accredited investor? In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission operates under the rules of Regulation D, which provides exemptions from securities registration requirements. Businesses and individuals who qualify as “accredited investors” can qualify for a registration exemption under Regulation D. There are two main tests used to prove this accreditation:

Income Test

Rule 501 of Regulation D sets forth specific income requirements for accredited investors. To qualify, an investor must earn at least $200,000 for the two years prior to the investment, with the expectation of earning the same or more income in the following year. (Couples must earn at least $300,000 annually to qualify.) An individual can not qualify by showing a single year of individual income and two years of joint income as a spouse. These qualifications can become complicated – particularly when a person’s marital status changes over the three-year period – so it is important to consult with a securities lawyer prior to making an investment requiring accreditation.

Continue reading ›