I work with a lot of clients who are, for the first time, beginning to sell or license the creative fruits of their labor. This is an exciting time for an emerging artist or new small business. Other people have shown interest in what my clients have to offer.
This is also a time fraught with anxiety for such clients. They often express a fear of speaking up during deal negotiations and...Read More
It’s a new year, and that means tax season is soon upon us. One thing new business owners in Los Angeles should keep in mind is that you must pay the City of Los Angeles business tax (which is based on a percentage of your annual revenue) or apply for an exemption.
New and emerging business owners may qualify for an exemption based on the category of business you operate and your annual...Read More
“I say, beware of all enterprises that require new clothes … .”
– Henry David Thoreau, Walden
Now that we’ve settled into week 3 of the New Year, I’d like to speak directly to those of you who decided that 2016 is the year you will take the side project that you were doing for pure enjoyment and creative fulfillment from basement hobby to dream career.
Whether you’ve started selling those...Read More
Have you heard the old adage, “You’ve got to spend money to make money”? Starting a new business is a costly endeavor. Many of those costs are incurred upfront, even before you start generating revenue.
One line item you should certainly budget for at the outset is legal services. In fact, when you recruit a small business attorney early on in the process of launching your endeavor, she or...Read More
No matter how big or small the deal may be, plain and simple, it’s always worth the money to consult an attorney before signing a contract.
The reason is simple. If someone offers you a deal and provides a written contract, they may not be considering issues that are priorities for you. Your attorney, however, can anticipate future problems that may arise with the transaction and advocate...Read More
Welcome to The Fine Print, breaking down the legal issues relevant to your creative business or endeavor.
As an artist or the owner of a creatively-focused business, you cannot afford to ignore the fine print.
Every Monday and Thursday, we’ll help you stay on top of important developments in the areas of business and intellectual property law and tell you why they matter to your business....Read More
I’ve coined a new term: Creative Enterprise Law. (Actually, I can’t entirely take credit–part of the term’s already out there. Check out this informational booklet.)
So what is creative enterprise law?
It’s the intersection of traditional entertainment foci, such as intellectual property law, negotiations and transactions, and an intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the entertainment...Read More
Without naming names, I understand the appeal of Mad-Libs Style legal service providers that sell pre-drafted, one-size-fits-all legal solutions that you customize with the particular details of your business or transaction. These at-your-fingertips resources are tempting, in part because you can get things accomplished on your own schedule and at budget-friendly rates.
I’d like today to...Read More
I regularly hear from many clients about their process of deciding to hire an attorney for their small business. The most frequently-stated reason clients hesitate engaging legal counsel is their fear that the attorney will tell them they can’t legally do something that forms the core of their business.
All too often, clients say “I’ve always thought it better to ask for forgiveness than for...Read More
“Friends don’t necessarily make good business or creative partners.”
-Attributed to Joseph Barbera, who created many great cartoons with his friend William Hanna
Creating art with someone you love, someone you’re intimate with, can be an incredible experience. When love disappears from a relationship you break up; if you’re married you get a divorce. But what happens when you fall out of love...Read More
