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Washington Business Law Questions & Answers
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

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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

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Criminal Law and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: The Legal Lessor locked me out of my business he violently forced me out of the store, and I filed a case in police depa

The Legal Lessor locked me out of my business he violently forced me out of the store, and I filed a case in police department.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 28, 2023

Generally speaking, a commercial landlord can only exercise its right to lockout a commercial tenant if the tenant has failed to timely pay rent, and must provide a key for access to the premises promptly when the tenant cures any default in the payment of rent.

If the landlord wrongfully...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Contracts, Tax Law and Estate Planning for Washington on
Q: My dying mother wants to leave her art business to me, she wants me to continue sell her branded art for her

What must I do legally?

She wants me to continue on her brand and artwork selling.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 14, 2023

To legally handle your mother's request, you should:

1. Ensure she has a valid and comprehensive will or trust that clearly outlines her wishes for the art business's succession.

2. Work with an attorney experienced in estate planning to facilitate the transfer of assets...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation and Employment Law for Washington on
Q: Can a business refuse to give me a time that an employee comes into work if I’m trying to serve legal papers?

I’m trying to serve legal documents and I can’t sit outside their place of work all day waiting for them to come in.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 8, 2023

In general, a business is not required to voluntarily disclose information about their employee’s work schedules.

If you are an authorized process server, you can leave your business card for the employee and ask him to call you to arrange a convenient time to be served, but he is not...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Business Law, International Law and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Amazon closed my account, can reinstate it?

amazon kdp closed my account on 01-12-2023. With 22,000$ three pending months, I have been a publisher with Amazon KDP since 2019 and have worked hard over the past four years to establish myself as one of the best-sellers in the children category. Unfortunately, due to a mistake on my part, I have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 5, 2023

If your Amazon KDP account was closed due to policy violations or negligence on your part, it may be possible to reinstate your account by contacting Amazon KDP support and explaining your situation. You will need to provide evidence that you understand the policies and have taken steps to correct... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Washington on
Q: I have a sole proprietorship business but would be safer to have an LLC for liability reasons?

I have a sole proprietorship plumbing business but have been told by other business owners lately that I should have gone with an LLC. I am fully insured, bonded, and licensed but I want to make sure that will protect my personal assets if something does happen one day. I have been researching how... View More

Brent Bowden
Brent Bowden
answered on Apr 26, 2023

An LLC can certainly provide an additional level of protection for your personal assets, when properly set up and properly run. But, as you pointed out, you would likely need to open a new bank account and set up your license, insurance, bond, etc to reflect the LLC. Some of those things you might... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Admiralty / Maritime and Business Law for Washington on
Q: Can a captain charge deckhands for gear/supplies as he deems fit?

Normal deductions are food/fuel. The following are extra.

2 examples.

A captain from another boat needs to borrow a grapple hook. With the captains permission a deckhand takes the hook to the other boat and helps with the task. The hook is accidentally left on the other boat and... View More

Brent Bowden
Brent Bowden
answered on Mar 27, 2023

I think the answer depends on how the crew is being paid. It is also potentially not a WA answer if the work is being done in Alaska.

In WA, an employer cannot charge an employee for broke/lost equipment unless it was an intentional or dishonest act that caused it to be lost/broken. I...
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Business Law and Mergers & Acquisitions for Washington on
Q: Can litigation be used to drain a company of its capital and leave it vulnerable to a takeover by the plaintiff?

Hi everyone, I don't have any specific geographical location in mind, so if lawyers have examples of laws that they know of, regardless of region, it'd be interesting to hear them:

Is there anything in the law to prevent litigation used by one larger company (that can handle... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jan 4, 2023

Generally not unless it involves the purchaser becoming so large as to violate the Sherman Anti-trust Act. The activity you describe is called corporate raiding but is usually legal when performed within the rules of a particular state.

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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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Arbitration / Mediation Law, Business Formation and Business Law for Washington on
Q: Where is my great grandpa mentioned in this patent? It's his idea. He owned aarvarka nd Tierra and soil sampling service
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 13, 2024

This is something that a patent attorney would probably be able to advise best on, but you posted last week and your question remains open. There is a category here for patent law. You could repost and add that category, and drop some of the other categories here that aren't relevant... View More

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