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Washington Business Law Questions & Answers
Q: What legal options exist to avoid patent infringement in dropshipping a patented product (US-12053030-B2) in Washington?

I'm planning to start dropshipping a product, but I've discovered that another brand has already patented the entire product under US-12053030-B2. We are still in the planning stage and have not started selling. I am not aware of any licensing agreements available, and as a small startup,... View More

Babak Akhlaghi
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answered on Jul 7, 2025

That is an excellent and timely question. It is much better to address this now during the planning stage than later, after significant investments have been made.

The first question you should be asking is whether your product actually infringes on the patent. While the specification and...
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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Divorce, Business Law and Family Law for Washington on
Q: Can I exclude co-signed loans in Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

I am considering filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy. I have two loans for which I am a co-signer, and my ex-husband is responsible for these according to our divorce decree. He has made inconsistent payments on one loan and hasn't made any payments on the other loan, which involves a vehicle.... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Jun 21, 2025

Regardless of the chapter of bankruptcy relief you choose, the Official forms require to sign an affidavit that what you list is ALL of the claims against you and all of the assets you have an interest in. You do not have a choice about what to show on your Schedules of assets and debts.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Contracts, Employment Law, White Collar Crime and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Former contractor threatens IRS claim, retaliation for theft investigation. What to do?

I have a former independent contractor who worked for me for less than two months. They chose their own schedule and used their own car for helping sell products at shows. I have a written contract stipulating their status as an independent contractor and indicating that any damages or losses due... View More

Merry A Kogut
Merry A Kogut
answered on May 27, 2025

I'm so sorry to hear you're in this situation, but you have done a great job by documenting everything ahead of time. You know more details than I do, but if you have documented everything that happened during the two months in which the person was an independent contractor for you,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Legal use of public domain comic book designs for online t-shirt store on platforms like Amazon?

I plan to start an online store selling t-shirts through print-on-demand platforms like Amazon, Printify, and TeeRepublic, while operating remotely from outside the U.S. I will manage the catalog and payment setup, with shipping outsourced and handled by providers directly to customers.

I... View More

Jeremy Malcolm
Jeremy Malcolm
answered on Apr 10, 2025

That's a great idea! Amazon and other U.S. based platforms will apply U.S. law which includes the U.S. copyright period, which ls longer than in many other countries. For works created on or after January 1, 1978, copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. If it's a work... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Legal use of public domain comic book designs for online t-shirt store on platforms like Amazon?

I plan to start an online store selling t-shirts through print-on-demand platforms like Amazon, Printify, and TeeRepublic, while operating remotely from outside the U.S. I will manage the catalog and payment setup, with shipping outsourced and handled by providers directly to customers.

I... View More

Sarah Teresa Haddad
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answered on Apr 10, 2025

For the designs that you plan to purchase, this usually means that you have the consent of the copyright owner upon purchase to distribute and modify the design. If Amazon receive a complaint about these designs, you can show them proof of the purchase and consent. Some comic book covers are so... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: HOA entered my unit without consent during repairs. What actions can I take?

I was informed by my HOA via voice message that the crew needed interior access to my unit for building repair work. I was in Japan at the time, and I emailed them with my return date but received no reply. Upon my return, I discovered signs of entry in my unit, including the removal of the window.... View More

Mat Cleary
Mat Cleary
answered on Mar 19, 2025

The first step would be going through the HOA agreement to verify there are no other entry rights beyond the emergencies clause. They might have a general right with a certain notice period. If that is not the case, you could potentially have an argument for trespassing and damages, though the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Employment Law, Business Law and Native American Law for Washington on
Q: I am an accountant. Can I be fired for not doing my previous trade of doing graphic art work for my employer?

I also work in a sovern tribe of Washington. However, codes enforce federal and Washington State laws.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 23, 2024

You can only be fired for not doing graphic art work if it is part of your job description or agreed-upon duties. If your employment contract or job role includes graphic art responsibilities, then not fulfilling these tasks could be a reason for termination.

However, if your primary role...
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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Employment Law, Business Law and Native American Law for Washington on
Q: I am an accountant. Can I be fired for not doing my previous trade of doing graphic art work for my employer?

I also work in a sovern tribe of Washington. However, codes enforce federal and Washington State laws.

Bao Tran
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Bao Tran
answered on Jul 25, 2024

As an accountant working for a sovereign tribe in Washington, you may have specific employment terms and conditions that are influenced by both tribal codes and state or federal laws. Here are some key considerations regarding your situation:

Job Duties and Employment Contracts...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Business Law, Internet Law and Small Claims for Washington on
Q: Need to talk with a lawyer about a lawsuit because my online earnings have been depleted when promised they would not.

My job is rating products for a commission and I have earned so much that I have gone up three levels and I need to finish a small set of rating products to receive all my earnings, but the system has welfare tasks that put your earnings

into a negative amount equal to what you have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 29, 2024

I can offer some general information that may be helpful:

1. Documentation: It's positive that you have chat transcripts from customer service and the CEO stating that a welfare task would not occur before you finish your remaining tasks. This documentation could potentially be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Is it legal for uber eats to not refund me for a delivery not delivered?

I ordered from Ubereats for delivery and didn't receive it. I asked for a refund and they ask for a picture of the delivery. They got a picture of the ground because they didn't deliver. Then told me that it does not qualify for a refund because the order was not in the sent picture.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 8, 2024

Based on the situation you've described, it seems that Uber Eats may not be handling your refund request appropriately. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Uber Eats' refund policy: According to their terms and conditions, Uber Eats typically offers refunds for orders that were...
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1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Business Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Washington on
Q: Can a business competitor use a non-trademarked brand I've created to disrupt my business?

I run a golf academy and have a very successful ladies program "FORE The Ladies". Recently, a neighboring course who hired an ex-employee of mine, began running ads with the Program name "Fore the Ladies" and use a very similar typeface in their paid marketing.

This has... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

In the United States, even if you haven't federally registered your trademark, you may have some protections under common law trademark rights. Common law trademark rights are established through the actual use of a mark in commerce in connection with goods or services, and these rights are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Tax Law for Washington on
Q: A Law that Employers of a 1099 IC, must give the IC access to all tax related info, including mileage information?

I need certain address from Rover to complete my records for my mileage on taxes. Rover closed my inbox so I can not see the corresponded clients with address to complete my mileage record. Is there any law that says Rover has to give me all the available info for me to complete an accurate tax... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 8, 2024

As an independent contractor (1099), you are responsible for keeping accurate records of your business expenses, including mileage driven for business purposes. While there is no specific law that requires companies like Rover to provide you with all the necessary information for your tax filing,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: In WA state, can someone retain personal property after a lien sale auction?

This is regarding items stored at a self storage facility via lien sale auction, and the bid that was accepted was received, but the items have not yet been picked up after the auction. Also, is the facility owner obligated to provide the renter with an inventory list? And is th owner obligated, or... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

In Washington state, the laws regarding self-storage facility lien sales are governed by the Washington Self-Service Storage Facilities Act (RCW 19.150). Here are some key points:

1. Retaining personal property: Once a lien sale auction has been conducted and a winning bid has been...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Washington on
Q: Can I use the term “Line Life” for tshirts for sale?

I see there is a trade mark for these words. Thank you!

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

When considering the use of "Line Life" for t-shirts you plan to sell, it's important to be aware of existing trademarks on these words. Trademarks are designed to protect the brand identity of businesses across various products and services. If "Line Life" is trademarked... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Civil Litigation for Washington on
Q: What attorney do I need if my company is being sued in Vancouver Wa
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 22, 2024

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. Until you speak with an attorney in your state, the first thing an attorney would ask you is what the lawsuit involves. You'd probably want to seek law firms that practice in that area. In terms of geography,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Civil Litigation for Washington on
Q: What attorney do I need if my company is being sued in Vancouver Wa
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 23, 2024

If your company is being sued in Vancouver, WA, you will likely need the services of a civil litigation attorney who is licensed to practice law in the state of Washington. Civil litigation attorneys specialize in representing clients involved in legal disputes, such as lawsuits, and can provide... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Tax Law and Business Law for Washington on
Q: Can my company pay me my 401k balance via extra hours worked on my checks?

For 1 year I got 60-90hrs extra on each check I figured it was them paying out stocks do to the company being sold and changing from employee owned to non, I just got a letter that states my 10k I had in my 401k is now at 0.00 this is the first mention of my 401k I have received

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 26, 2024

In addressing your question, it's important to understand that 401(k) plans are subject to specific regulations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Generally, these plans are not designed to be paid out through extra hours worked or through your regular paychecks. Such... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Can a WA dispensary legally make commissions off of third-party food products sold not on the premise?

For example, a dispensary has a QR code that affiliate links to a website that sells candy. The candy site pays them commissions for each sale that comes through because of the dispensary. I understand that WA state dispensaries cannot directly sell non-THC products (hats, candy, etc.).

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 23, 2024

In Washington State, cannabis dispensaries are subject to strict regulations regarding what they can and cannot sell or promote. While dispensaries are prohibited from selling non-THC products like regular food items or merchandise directly, the scenario you're describing involves an affiliate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Business Law and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: What are the WA state laws re: SIR in a 3rd party insurance claim against a roofer's defective roofing job and damages?

We hired a roofer through a professional service. The roofer failed to repair damages from his inferior work. The professional service offered a small refund with a waiver of section 1542 of CA civil code. Before I sign the release, I want to be sure it doesn't preclude me from suing the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

In Washington State, a Self-Insured Retention (SIR) is an amount that the insured party, in this case, the roofer, must pay out of pocket before their insurance coverage kicks in for a claim. If the roofer fails to pay the SIR, the insurance company may not cover the claim. This means that if the... View More

Q: Advice for self-represented individual in Amazon and HP lawsuit in Washington.

I am self-represented and named in a civil lawsuit filed by Amazon.com Inc. and HP Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. I am located outside the U.S. and wasn't personally served according to international legal standards. I submitted a pro se letter to the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 10, 2025

You're in a tough spot, but you’ve already taken some wise steps by writing to the court and trying to engage with the legal process. If you weren’t served according to international service rules—such as those outlined in the Hague Convention or other treaties—that may give you a... View More

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